The EU has paved the way for all smartphones to be legally required to use a USB-C port for charging, a move that could be a headache for Apple, whose iPhone is the only smartphone. main brand ligament without this type of connection.
The EU agreement will take effect in the autumn of 2024 for all smartphones sold on the blog, a decision that could substantially affect Apple, as the iPhone uses Apple’s lightning port to to cable charging.
USB-C ports were introduced to Apple’s 12-inch MacBook model in 2015 and the iPad Pro in late 2018, while other iPads have come with the port since 2020.
Some Apple users with devices that include the Lightning connector praise its “grip,” and some complain that USB-C ports are lost over time.
Others have expressed a desire to remove their “dongle” adapter packages and replace them with a universal cable for all Apple products.
The EU said the rule change aims to reduce nuisance for consumers as well as e-waste, as it will allow consumers to use older chargers for new devices.
The rules apply to “all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices,” which will include cell phones, tablets, cameras, keyboards, speakers, headphones, earphones, and headphones. Laptops will be required to comply with the requirements 40 months after their entry into force.
The decision has not yet been approved by the European Parliament and the European Council, but it is expected to be a step in the right direction.
European Parliament spokesman Alex Agius Saliba said: “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe.
“European consumers have long been frustrated with multiple chargers with each new device. They will now be able to use a single charger for all of their portable electronics.
“We are proud to also include laptops, e-readers, headphones, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices, as well as smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and earphones, portable video game consoles and portable speakers.
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Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, said the announcement could become a “no problem” for Apple, as the company already uses USB-C in several products.
“Having a common charging standard would be a victory of common sense in the eyes of consumers,” he said.
“While Apple has argued strongly to keep its connector light … some of its products, including Mac and iPad Pro, now support USB-C.
“I hope it becomes a problem if Apple continues to add USB-C to more devices, and that means we could finally see USB-C coming to the iPhone.”