[UK] Nearly half a billion small tech items thrown away

Yes, the move to a standardised and more robust connector unironically will help cut down on waste.

And it's not just iPhones affected, btw.

It will be cheaper/less waste in the long run as lightning cables are meant for single use before disposal. /s

They are real garbage though.
My apple OEM cables have only maintained connection for less than a month of cumulative use if they had to travel or do anything but sit unused on a shelf.