The EU has paved the way for all smartphones to be legally obliged to use a USB-C charging port, a move that could be a headache for Apple, whose iPhone is the only smartphone with a major brand without this type of connection.
The EU agreement will apply from the autumn of 2024 to all smartphones sold in the unit, a solution that could significantly affect Apple, as the iPhone uses Apple’s Lightning port for cable charging.
USB-C ports were introduced in Apple’s 12-inch MacBook in 2015 and in the iPad Pro in late 2018, while other iPads are available with the 2020 port.
Some Apple users with devices that include the Lightning connector praise its “grip”, with some complaining that USB-C ports become loose 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 consumer inconvenience as well as e-waste, as it will allow consumers to use older chargers for new devices.
The rules will apply to “all small and medium portable electronic devices”, which will include mobile phones, tablets, cameras, keyboards, speakers, headphones, earphones and headphones. Laptops will need to be adapted to meet the requirements 40 months after their entry into force.
The decision has yet to be approved by the European Parliament and the European Council, but is expected to be a formality.
European Parliament spokesman Alex Agius Saliba said: “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe.
“European consumers have long been frustrated by the many chargers that pile up with each new device. They will now be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics.
“We are proud that laptops, e-readers, headphones, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices are also included, in addition to 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 be a “no-problem” for Apple, as the company already uses USB-C for a number of products.
“Having a common charging standard would be a victory for common sense in the eyes of consumers,” he said.
“Although Apple has made a strong argument for keeping its Lightning connector … some of its products, including Mac and iPad Pro, now support USB-C.
“We hope that in the end this will not be a problem if Apple continues to add USB-C to more devices, and that means we can finally see USB-C coming to the iPhone.
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