In October of that same year, the European Parliament voted by a large absolute majority on the establishing USB-C as a common charge of all devices. This meant the end of other connectors like the Lightning that had been on the iPhone for many years. This regulation left Apple, which had always resisted USB-C, ‘KO’ at their terminals. However, the European Parliament did not specify when the regulations would come into force. So far: a The new directive sets an expiration date for Apple’s Lightning: December 28, 2024.
On December 28, 2024, USB-C will reign in the European Union
USB-C is a type of universal interface port and connector which is used in electronic devices such as computers, cell phones and tablets. Indeed, a large number of Apple devices such as the iPad Pro already include this connector. Characterized by reversible, that is, it can be connected in any direction, which makes it easy to use. Additionally, USB-C is a high-speed interface that allows data to be transferred at high speed and provides support for energy transfer.
The large number of chargers, connectors and data transfer systems have been highlighted in the European Union. And in October of that same year, they published a regulation in which they set an approximate limit at which all products must integrate USB-C and no other connector. However, they didn’t really specify when or how to do it. This has been further detailed in a new regulation.
Related article:
European Union sets date for Apple to switch to USB-C
They will apply these provisions from 28 December 2024 for the categories or classes of radio equipment referred to in Annex Ia, points 1.1 to 1.12, and from 28 April 2026 for the categories or classes of radio equipment referred to in Annex Ia, point 1.13.
This is the excerpt taken from European regulations. The text puts two different dates
- December 28, 2024: at that time, all these devices will have to have USB-C as a charging connector: mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice and portable navigation systems .
- April 28, 2026: Almost two more years have been given by the European Union for laptops, regardless of brand, to integrate USB-C.
It means that Apple’s iPhone 15 could continue to integrate Lightning since it would be presented in September 2023. However, there is no doubt that the iPhone 16 would begin to be marketed in November 2024. And it would already have to integrate USB-C. We’ll see if Apple’s plans are to keep its native connector or wring its hand and start complying with European regulations with the iPhone 15.
