Looks like Apple will have to switch to USB-C ports on its iPhones by the fall of 2024 after legislation passed in the European Union (EU) to require all smartphones and electronic devices to have USB-C ports.
- Recent news suggests that Apple is already testing iPhones with USB-C ports.
- After checking Apple’s supply chain, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the 2023 “iPhone 15” will ditch the Lightning connector and use USB-C instead.
The Law: European legislators have debated a common charger standard for years but only recently agreed on the scope of the new rules.
- The new law also covers tablets, digital cameras, earbuds, headsets, e-readers, video game controllers, and handheld consoles. Laptops will be added to the regulation at a later date.
- The legislation will also separate charger sales from device sales and harmonize fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
- The EU Parliament and Council still need to approve the new law, but that step is considered just a formality.
Why It Matters: The new law aims to reduce e-waste across Europe and prevent customers from wasting money by purchasing new chargers for their electronics. And soon enough, the days of asking strangers for a compatible charger to no avail will be a thing of the past.
