Apple Set to Introduce USB-C Charging for New iPhone
The upcoming release of Apple’s latest iPhone on September 12 is expected to feature a USB-C charge point, replacing the current Lightning adaptor. This move comes as a response to a European Union law, which requires phone manufacturers to adopt a common charging connection by December 2024 in order to reduce waste and save consumers money.
While most new Apple products, including iPads, already utilize USB-C, the company had previously argued against the EU regulation. When the legislation was introduced in September 2021, an Apple representative stated that mandating just one connector type stifles innovation and would harm consumers worldwide.
However, Lightning to USB-C adaptors are already available from other electronic brands, and iPhones since the iPhone 8, which launched in 2017, have supported wireless charging. With the forthcoming release of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, it appears that the Lightning cable, which retails for £19, may soon become obsolete.
It remains uncertain whether this charging change will be implemented globally, as Apple is unlikely to create a separate version of the handset exclusively for the European market. The transition to USB-C is expected to bring benefits such as the ability for customers to use a single charger for their iPads, Macs, and iPhones, as well as faster download speeds.
This EU common-charger rule covers a range of small and medium-sized portable electronics, including mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, mice and keyboards, GPS devices, headphones, cameras, handheld video game consoles, and portable speakers. All of these devices that use a wired cable for charging will now require a USB Type-C port, regardless of the manufacturer.
Laptops will also need to adhere to these rules, but manufacturers have more time to make the necessary changes. Overall, the EU estimates that this regulation will save consumers up to €250m (£213m) annually on unnecessary charger purchases and reduce 11,000 tonnes of waste per year.