14 DAY TRIAL // The European Union has recently passed regulations that require device makers selling their products on the Old Continent to fit all models with a USB-C connector.
The most affected company is without a doubt Apple, as the Cupertino-based tech giant continues to stick with the proprietary Lightning port on the iPhone.
However, Apple has no other choice than to switch to USB-C by 2024 when the new regulation comes into effect. But according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this is going to happen earlier than the deadline, with the iPhone 15, which is projected to launch in 2023, to make the switch from Lightning to USB-C.
iPhone 15 is projected to launch in September 2023.
EU’s new regulations call for all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras to come with USB-C by the end of 2024, while from spring 2026, laptops will have to follow the same rules.
“As wireless charging becomes more prevalent, the European Commission will have to harmonise interoperability requirements by the end of 2024, to avoid having a negative impact on consumers and the environment. This will also get rid of the so-called technological “lock-in” effect, whereby a consumer becomes dependent on a single manufacturer,” the European Union announced.
“Dedicated labels will inform consumers about the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to make an informed choice about whether or not to purchase a new charging device with a new product. These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposed of and unused chargers account for about 11 000 tonnes of e-waste annually in the EU,” the announcement continued.
Needless to say, Apple hasn’t commented on the transition to USB-C, but we should expect more information on this front as the work on the iPhone 15 gains more pace.