The European Union is going to make USB Type-C ports mandatory for all smartphones in Europe. This goes right against Apple’s lighting ports tradition and thus, forcing it to follow the rule. So, USB Type-C ports on iPhones in Europe have become hugely possible. The move has to do with the intention of reducing e-waste and forming a universal mode of charging. Let’s know more about this news below.
USB Type-C Port Mandatory in Europe
There have been speculations about the EU working on applying a universal mode of charging in its region. All of the OEMs in the EU have had USB Type-C ports for years except American multi-billion company, Apple. Now, the decision is making Apple use Type-C ports in order to sell its devices in the European Union region from 2024. iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks have a strong grip in the household of the EU. According to Stats Counter, the share of iOs users is 31.4% in Europe while its counterpart, Android has 67.83% users. But to remind, the share of Android goes out to dozens of Android Smartphone makers while Apple stands as a single company.
The European Parliament and European Council haven’t approved it yet but it is likely to happen very soon. European parliament spokesperson Alex Agius Saliba expressed, “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe. European consumers were long frustrated with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics.” He further added, “We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices are also included, in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, and headsets, handheld video game consoles, and portable speakers.” So it is clear, that the rule will also extend to a wide range of electronic devices in Europe.
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What Will It Mean To OEMs?
The EU says that the decision is all about minimizing hassles for customers and reducing e-waste for the sake of the environment. Also, OEMs have stopped shipping charging adapters with flagship smartphones as their own step of e-waste management. But it moreover has to do with earning more profits by doing so. While the recent EU agreement might be an effective step for reducing such waste. Having a universal medium of ports will help in a greater sense. “The rule applies to all and sundry. It’s not adopted against anybody,” said, the commissioner for the EU’s internal market, Mr.Thierry Breton.
The decision is going to unify all smartphones in terms of charging ports whereas this is going to be a blow for Apple. As known, Apple has always used its own lightning ports and cable for charging for so many years. The port has tight grips but the cables always have had tearing issues in a short span of usage. Meanwhile, Apple commenced using USB-C ports in Apple’s 12 MacBook models in 2015 and in the iPad Pro in late 2018. Also, iPads since 2020 came with such ports. The company has been making arguments to continue using lightning ports. As Europe is such a huge market, Apple will have to follow the rule. Now, we might see iPhones from 2024 come with USB Type C ports in Europe.
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Universal Charging Port For Every Device
Not only smartphones, but every possible electronic device will also have to implement Type C ports in Europe. This solves so many problems at once. One doesn’t need to buy a separate charger for electronic devices. Having one charger to fill up that battery for so many devices, will greatly aid in reducing e-waste. So it also means, Android phones have to ditch Micro USB ports, often used in entry-level and budget devices for the European region.
However, the press release has told about the rule to be applicable for those devices which need a wire to charge. So, this might also push Apple to release portless devices sooner to avoid using Type-C ports. Hence, the charging will rely on wireless chargers. On the other hand, Apple has already used such ports in iPads and Macbooks. So, USB-Type C ports in iPhones in Europe are likely to come.
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So it is sure that the USB Type-C ports are going to be mandatory for all smartphones in the European region. Soon, the trend might appear in other parts of the world too for a good cause. Well, we will have to wait and see for that.
What do you think about this new rule? Do you think having a universal port will help? Do write us down your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
