Apple iPhones With USB Type-C Port Could Come Soon

Last Updated on April 23, 2022 by Asif Iqbal Shaik

For quite some time, the European Commission has been criticising Apple for its corporate practices. In recent years, the EU has debated concerns like privacy, right to repair, and use of standardised parts and ports. Members of the European Parliament voted last week in favour of legislation requiring Apple to include a USB-C port on all iPhones, iPads, and AirPods sold in Europe.

This proposal is not only aimed at Apple, but will require all consumer electronics manufacturers selling devices in Europe to have a USB-C port on all new phones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, game consoles, and portable speakers. Exemptions apply to products that are too small to have a USB-C port, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and some sports equipment. Given that the bulk of Android smartphone manufacturers has migrated to USB Type-C, Apple will undoubtedly suffer as a result of this shift.

Apple generates a significant portion of its revenue by charging third-party accessory manufacturers for the sale of Lightning connector cables and charging bricks. This concept is intended to reduce electronic waste, address product sustainability, and make the usage of various gadgets more convenient.

In addition, we may soon see a new proposal in the European Parliament aimed at creating a common wireless charging solution. The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee hopes to see a unified wireless solution for electronic gadgets implemented across Europe by 2026.

This would imply pursuing Apple’s MagSafe charging technology. In a major related subject debated a few years ago, Apple pushed back strongly on the EU, claiming that a universal charging port in the industry would hinder innovation and produce electronic waste by forcing people to switch to new cables. Apple and its products continue to have a sizable global user base, and the firm is primarily reliant on revenue produced by third-party accessory producers in their closed environment.