Comment by asgeir

USB-C has the springs in the plug while the receptacle is only fixed contacts. Lightning on the other hand has the springs inside the receptacle.

This means that for USB-C you replace the cable when the springs wear out, but for Lightning you need to replace the port.

Cleaning lint out of a USB-C receptacle with a toothpick is safe, but sticking anything into a Lightning port could damage the springs.