Apple was not forced to abandon the Lightning connector. If they would think that Lightning is a better product and keeping it would be positive thing for their customers, then they could still use it (beside a Type-C connector).
Except Apple shouldn't be forced to use a Type-C connector in the first place, and pandering to Vestager's terminally dry desert in her pants so she can get off to a USB-C port shouldn't be on Apple's priority list.
