The European Union has legislated that devices are going to have to standardize on USB-C as the charging mechanism in order to reduce e-waste. This common charger legislation requiring all smartphones and accessories to use USB-C will come into force in 2024.

While most Android devices have already standardized on USB-C, one company has been holding out on making this change --Apple.

Well, you could say that Apple has embraced USB-C in many ways. It's used on the iPad, and Macs switched up entirely to using the port until the recentMacBook Pros  started to add back other ports.

Also:Using the wrong USB-C cable can damage your tech

But when it comes to the iPhone and AirPods, Apple is, for now at least, sticking to Lightning.

But the iPhone 14 is likely to be the last iPhone to make use of Lightning. Apple will then have to move to USB-C or remove the port and go totally wireless.

But, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is not going to be in a rush to make the switch here. When it comes to the AirPods, Kuo predicts that Apple "will launch USB-C-capable charging cases for all AirPods models in 2023" for those users who want to standardize on USB-C, and if the current replacement case prices for AirPods are anything to go by, this will set you back at least$60.

I predict Apple will launch USB-C-capable charging cases for all AirPods models in 2023. However, the charging case of the new AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2H22 may still support Lightning.

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