Apple could be forced to move from Lighting to USB-C in Europe.
The European Commission has confirmed it intends to introduce new legislation which would standardize ports on mobile devices and has chosen USB-C as the default. The idea is to make it easier for consumers to charge their devices at home and in public, reduce the amount of waste, and ensure manufacturers don’t manipulate or exploit users with multiple ports and charging cables that can be expensive and hard to find.
The proposal must first be approved by member countries in the EU before it can come into effect and, if approved, manufacturers would have just two years to adapt their products to meet the new standards.
It’s important to note that the rule would only apply to devices sold in the EU, but it would make sense for firms including Apple to transition its global portfolio of products for cost-savings and efficiencies.
Apple has already begun transitioning its devices to USB-C, with the iPad Pro, Air, and mini now running on USB-C. However, the just-announced budget iPad has yet to make the transition, and Apple still uses Lightning adapters for its iPhones and accessories such as the Magic Mouse and AirPods Pro.
Speaking of the news, an Apple spokesperson said: “We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world.”
Apple is reportedly already working on a portless iPhone, encouraging consumers to charge via MagSafe, and it’s good to note that the new legislation does not affect wireless charging, just wired charging devices.
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