September 21, 2012 was a big day for Apple, not only because they released the iPhone 5 on that date, but also because they started using the Lightning connector, leaving the 30-pin connector that was used in many Apple devices before it.
At that time, the presence of this Lightning port was revolutionary. Replaced the bulky and cumbersome 30-pin connector. Compared to the micro USB that was currently used in Android devices, Lightning also excelled in many sectors.
The most noticeable advantage is that this Lightning connector is symmetrical in shape and can be used without fear of tipping over. Apple also claims that the Lightning port is much more powerful.
"This is a new connector that will be used for the next few years," concluded Phil Schiller, Apple's SVP of Worldwide Marketing at the time.
Like everything that smells of Apple, they take care of accessories that can use this connector. Everything must use a license from Apple, in contrast to micro USB which is an open standard.
After all, this does not close the interest of accessories manufacturers to use it, because until now there are still many accessories that use these connectors.
However, now nine years after Lightning was released, things are no longer the same. Almost all Android devices already use a USB-C port, while Apple is adamant about keeping Lightning on the iPhone, even on the newly released iPhone 13.
Even Apple has started using USB-C on the 2018 iPad Pro, both in the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch variants. Indeed, not all iPads already use USB-C, such as the 9th generation iPad which still uses Lightning, but the iPad Mini 6 already uses USB-C (both released at the same time).
Even though in terms of specifications, Lightning is far behind USB-C. Both in terms of data transfer speed and maximum power that can be delivered. USB-C is also symmetrical like Lightning. So both can be plugged back and forth.
Although the iPhone also may not need a bigger charger power. After all, the battery capacity is much smaller than most Android phones currently available.
Pressure from the European Union
Even when Apple was pressured by the European Union to abandon Lightning and move to USB-C, they refused for various reasons. One of these reasons is that this coercion will hinder product innovation.
Then another reason is that this step according to Apple has the potential to produce more electronic waste because many consumers will throw away Lightning accessories if the rule is implemented.
Apple itself has long been rumored to be leaving Lightning, but instead of replacing it with another standard connector, but using a wireless charger for charging. Alias no longer includes any ports for charging or sending data.
USB-C isn't perfect either
Actually, the USB-C connector isn't perfect either. There is one big problem faced by this type of connector. Namely the various standards it supports.
The point is, there are many types of connectors that look like USB-C, but the standards they use vary. It could be just USB or it could be Thunderbolt -- either Thunderbolt 3 or 4. There are also several types of USB-type ports, such as USB 3.1 or 3.2, which have an impact on the maximum speed.
Even in some cases, the USB-C connector is only used to deliver audio. As in the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter which is included in many cell phone sales packages. Adapters like that may not necessarily be used on other devices, even though they both use a USB-C connector.