Much to AppleDismayed, there could be a big change coming to the iPhone. First the European Union (EU) – and now Brazil – announced its intention to adopt a single type of charging cable for all devices. The charging type cable would be Type C and the iPhone comes with a Lightning cable. We explain what the EU and Brazil proposed regulations mean and how they could affect the iPhone:
What does the EU common charger directive mean?
Earlier this year, the European Union decided to implement a standard that will ensure the use of a common charging port for a range of electronic devices.
When does the standard come into force and which devices will be affected?
The common charger type rule will be implemented by the second half of 2024. Most device manufacturers, according to online reports, have said that in the next 24 months they will ensure that their hardware complies with the Type-C port rule Almost all consumer electronic devices will be affected. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, headsets, digital cameras, headphones and earbuds, handheld video game consoles, and wired-rechargeable portable speakers will need to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of manufacturer.
Why is the EU implementing the common standard on shippers?
According to the European Parliament, consumers will be able to save up to € 250 million per year by avoiding the unnecessary purchase of multiple chargers. In addition, the EU said that disposed and unused chargers are estimated to account for around 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year. “This law is part of a wider EU effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, reduce e-waste and make consumers’ lives easier,” said the European Parliament.
What does this new rule mean for Apple iPhone?
It was 2013 when Apple first introduced the lightning port with the iPhone 5. But the EU’s proposed rule change will mean that Apple will have no choice but to accept it. Rumors suggest Apple has begun work on making the switch to Type-C and may be able to do so as early as 2023. This means that the next iPhone, the 2024 model, may be equipped with a Type-C port.
All iPhone do you have a type-c charging port?
This may not entirely happen as the directives are currently for the European Union and Brazil. So Apple doesn’t really have to ditch the lightning port completely as the vast majority of countries have not provided any guidance on changing charging cable rules. But Apple is unlikely to have two different types of ports in the iPhone, which vary from region to region.
Can Apple somehow avoid the Type-C charging port?
EU rules only apply to cable charging. Unless Apple makes a “portless” iPhone, the Type-C port is unlikely to find its way into the iPhone. Europe is too profitable a market for Apple not to accept the rule.
Is iPhone the only Apple product affected by the rule?
Apple has used the Type-C port in many of its products: iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad mini, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air among others. However, some other products still use the lightning port. The AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse – all use the lightning port. Then these too will need to be moved to the Type-C port by Apple.
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