Apple Gets Official Deadline To Switch iPhones from Lightning Port To USB-C

After all the rumors, it finally happened. The European Union (EU) has officially passed legislation requiring technology devices to adopt a universal USB-C charger, and Apple has received a deadline for when to replace its Lightning port. 

Come December 28, 2024, all gadgets in the EU will be required to be sold with only a USB-C port. According to Tom’s Guide, this could mean that Apple may not include the updated charging specifications in the iPhone 15. 

The technology giant could even get away with launching the iPhone 16 without a USB-C charging port if it releases the model before the December deadline, though the company has already agreed to the change and could implement it earlier. 

On the other hand, laptops and larger devices will receive an extra year and a half to make the switch—till April 28, 2026—while wireless devices, such as the Apple Watch, will be exempt from the ruling. 

Why the USB-C port? One of the reasons, as the publication pointed out, is that it charges devices 33% faster than the Lightning cable, as the latter only supports USB 2.0 with a data transfer speed of 480Mbps, while the former goes up to 640Mbps. 

While it’s true that the legislation only applies in the EU, it’s unlikely Apple will design an iPhone with separate ports for different regions. As such, it’s likely that the entire global supply chain of iPhones will be fitted with a USB-C port instead. 

However, despite the authorities believing a standardized charger will reduce e-waste, Apple feels it could have the opposite effect due to the number of plugs that’ll have to be replaced on USB-C rolls out. 

[via Tom’s Guide and Sky News, cover image via Wirestock | Dreamstime.com]