A new report by the Verge yesterday afternoon begins this way: "You might have read headlines today about how the EU is looking to force Apple to ditch the Lightning cable. That’s not really true." 

That's a very interesting point considering that Apple seems to think that the EU is talking about the Lightning connector within the context of a charging system. Here is what Apple formally stated in a feedback form on the issue to the EU dated January 31, 2019 (emphasis only is by Patently Apple):

"Apple stands for innovation. Regulations that would drive conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones freeze innovation rather than encourage it. Such proposals are bad for the environment and unnecessarily disruptive for customers.

More than 1 billion Apple devices have shipped using a Lightning connector in addition to an entire ecosystem of accessory and device manufacturers who use Lightning to serve our collective customers. We want to ensure that any new legislation will not result in the shipment of any unnecessary cables or external adaptors with every device, or render obsolete the devices and accessories used by many millions of Europeans and hundreds of millions of Apple customers worldwide. This would result in an unprecedented volume of electronic waste and greatly inconvenience users. To be forced to disrupt this huge market of customers will have consequences far beyond the stated aims of the Commission.

Beginning in 2009, Apple led industry efforts to work together to promote a common charging solution. And with the emergence of USB Type-C, we have committed alongside six other companies that all new smartphone models will leverage this standard through a connector or a cable assembly. We believe this collective effort by many of the industry’s leading companies is better for innovation, better for consumers and better for the environment."

Here's the link to that statement should anyone think we've imagined this. Clearly Apple's response to the EU carries a context within the issue of standard charges that includes connectors and specifically the "Lightning connector." Apple makes it clear that they don't want the EU to dictate what the connector should be. Send your feedback on this in our report on Twitter.