The move is Apple’s response to pressure from the European Commission (EC) to mandate the use of a universal USB-C charger to reduce e-waste. However, before it can achieve this goal, Apple will have to face another problem that the experience of its “predecessors” can help them learn from.
iPhone only switched to USB-C after pressure from the EC
The challenge of electronic waste
E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams globally, stemming from the shortened lifespan of electronic devices, limited repair options and growing consumer demand for the latest high-tech products.
In the 11 years since Lightning first appeared on the iPhone 5 in 2012, a huge number of Lightning cables have been created and distributed to users. There are more than 1 billion iPhones and iPads with Lightning ports in the world, so switching to USB-C charging would make your collection of Lightning charging cables virtually useless.
As a result, the discontinuation of the Lightning cable on iPhones will likely create an increase in e-waste as iPhone users toss their old Lightning cables aside, turning them into e-waste.
A large number of abandoned Lightning cables will create a big challenge for the environment.
In some countries, recycling programs provide households and small businesses with free access to industry-sponsored collection and recycling services. But in Vietnam, the e-waste problem is growing but still largely unknown, leaving most old charging cables like USB-C to end up in places they shouldn’t be.
For its part, although always considering environmental issues as a motto in its activities today, Apple has not made any clear moves to deal with old Lightning charging cables. This leads to the company being unable to reuse them and having to exploit more materials to produce new products.
Need to seamlessly combine innovation and sustainability
While Apple has only recently switched to USB-C for the iPhone, the USB-C ecosystem has been around for a long time. Many manufacturers have adopted it as the standard for most of their devices. Samsung, for example, started shipping its first USB-C devices in 2018 with the Galaxy Note 7, when USB-C was not yet widely available.
This is part of a step that Samsung has carefully prepared for the past 30 years in its commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring green business practices to bring about a better and more sustainable life.
Galaxy S23 Ultra has up to 12 components made from recycled materials
This commitment has been carried out by Samsung in the products they have launched over the years. Especially in 2023, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is not only produced based on Samsung's environmental commitment but also makes the Korean company a pioneer brand for a new era of innovation associated with sustainable development.
Samsung has used more recycled materials in the Galaxy S23 Ultra than any previous Galaxy smartphone, including packaging made from 100% recycled paper. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also has 12 recycled components, up from six in the Galaxy S22 Ultra. All of this work means that the Galaxy S23 series is built to last, with durability and repairability that will make it reliable for years to come. This commitment helps ensure a more sustainable ecosystem in the future.
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