A big blow : Apple will have to change all USB-C charging iPhones it sells from 2024 after European Union countries approved the use of one charging port for the world’s first phones, tablets and cameras.
It is Brussels that has been pushing for a single mobile charging port for over a decade. The desire was driven by complaints from iPhone and Android users where they had to switch to different chargers for their devices.
A big blow As is known, the iPhone is charged from a Lightning cable, while Android-based devices use a USB-C connector.
A 2019 study found that half the chargers or 50 percent sold with phones in 2018 had a micro-B USB connector. While as many as 29 percent are equipped with a USB-C connector and another 21 percent are Lightning connectors.
“By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU,” the European Parliament said in a statement.
European Union industry chief Thierry Breton said the deal would save about 250 million euros ($267 million) for consumers.
“It will also allow new technologies, such as wireless charging, to emerge and develop without allowing innovation to become a source of market fragmentation and consumer inconvenience,” he said.
Through its political intervention, the EU Executive Council could also harmonize wireless charging systems in the future. The deal also covers e-readers, earbuds and other technology meaning it will also impact Samsung (005930.KS), Huawei (HWT.UL) and other device makers.
“We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices are also included,” said MP Alex Agius Saliba, who chaired the debate in the European Parliament.
The policy of one charging port with USB-C is also said to be a driving force for Apple’s sales in 2024. Because more Europeans will buy the latest gadgets than those without USB-C.
A big blow CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino said the EU’s one-port charging policy could also encourage consumers to buy new phones more quickly. Bloomberg reports that Apple is already working on an iPhone with a USB-C charging port that could debut next year.
“Existing consumers can still use Lightning cables, but there will probably be fewer purchases of legacy products on third-party platforms,” the EU Parliament said.
On the other hand, Jitesh Ubrani, Research Manager at IDC, said that the ban on the sale of older models risks disappointing many consumers and the government will force consumers to spend more money.
Apple has previously warned that such a desire would undermine innovation and create piles of e-waste.
