You know how Apple could have avoided this waste? By switching to USB-C years ago when it was clear that it will be the standard for years to come.
If they switched to USB-C years ago, not only would the there be year’s worth of waste avoided, but then Apple and other manufacturers could have ditched including cables altogether. But since there are TWO major cable types out there, including a cable is necessary, just in case it’s the user’s first non-iOS or non-anything-else device.
Nobody on earth is asking for a faster or more powerful standard port to USB-C. It’ll be USB-C, then pure wireless.
They’re going to release the exact same AirPods Pro 2 next year with a USB-C case which I will surely buy. Apple could have avoided another year’s worth of Lightning cables and Lightning charging cases which people are sure to want to ditch once they get their USB-C iPhone.
I’ll start using wireless charging when it’s actually as good as wired, and not primarily a gimmick for Apple to sell more proprietary cables.