Apple has been using the Lightning connector on iPhones and iPads since September 2012. After more than 10 years, Apple is still using the Lightning connector on iPhones. But the trillion-dollar company has been using USB-C on its MacBook since 2015 and on iPad Pros since 2018. The current models of MacBook and selected iPads use USB-C, but iPhones still remain stuck in the past. However, that is about to change, thanks to the European Union (EU).
In a news report by Reuters, the EU just passed a law requiring most electronic devices to use USB-C starting autumn 2024.
This new law will apply to “all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices”, which means smartphones, tablets, cameras, keyboards, speakers, headphones, headsets and earbuds. This will also apply to laptops as well starting in 2026.
This law is the first-of-its-kind in the world. The company most affected by this new ruling is none other than Apple. Most, if not all, Android devices are already using USB-C. The same goes for Windows-based computers as well.
However, it will still have some impact on companies such as Samsung, Huawei, and other brands because they produce other electronic devices that do not use USB-C.
Naturally, Apple is not going to be happy with this new law. The company has previously argued that this action will stifle innovation and generate a significant quantity of electronic trash. Concerns from iPhone and Android users about needing to use different chargers for their devices sparked years of discussion and ultimately led to the decision.
Although this ruling is only applicable to EU countries, there’s no doubt it will have a global impact as well. Maybe we can finally see iPhone 16 with USB-C here.
