Goodbye, lightning port
The EU has reportedly passed a law that will force Apple to change the charger on the iPhone.
According to The Independent, Apple and all other technology firms will have to move to the USB-C by the end of 2024, after the rule was approved by the European Parliament.
While most phone and tablet manufacturers have already made the move, Apple has largely stuck with its own Lightning cable.
EU Passes Law to Switch iPhone to USB-C in 2024 https://t.co/dyCSFhAOnv by @hartleycharlton pic.twitter.com/YKfuD6WYJI
— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) October 4, 2022
📣| Good news for consumers & the environment!
Today MEPs will vote on a common charger for electronic devices 📲
USB-C will become the standard port for ALL electronic devices from mid-2024! 💻 pic.twitter.com/tYEAHewtAk
— Frances Fitzgerald MEP (@FitzgeraldFrncs) October 4, 2022
The company has argued that it would be better to change the plug on the other end of the cable, which plugs into the wall.
Apple has already moved to the USB-C on the MacBook and iPad and has been rumoured to be working towards switching it for the iPhone.
However, it has also been suggested that the company may get rid of the charging plug entirely, instead opting to go wireless.
The EU’s new rules require that all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU use the USB-C charging port by 2024. The rule is cover laptops in 2026. It also covers peripherals, such as mouses and laptops.
Apple currently uses its Lightning cable on products such as its AirPods and keyboards.
The EU has, for several years, been working to introduce a common charger.
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