EU reveals final deadline for all new phones to feature USB-C, iPhone included

[midian182]

In brief: December 28, 2024, that's the date when new all iPhones and other wired chargeable devices sold in the EU must come with a USB-C port. That means Apple now has 24 months to switch from Lighting to Type-C in its phones, though we're likely to see the first one arrive a lot sooner.

After pushing for a universal charging solution for over a decade, the European Commission in October voted overwhelmingly in favor of legislation that would see all phones, tablets, and other small electronics sold in the region feature USB-C ports by 2024. The European Council approved the mandate a few weeks later.

Now, the USB-C legislation has just been published in the EU's official journal, revealing the December 28, 2024, deadline. It covers phones, tablets, digital cameras, handheld consoles, and other small electronic devices sold in the region that come with a wired charging option—anything wireless-charging-only, such as some smartwatches, are exempt. Laptops also fall under the rule, though they have until April 28, 2026, to switch to USB-C.

It is official ‼️#CommonCharger published in the 🇪🇺 Official Journal. The rules will enter into force before the end of the year & start to apply before the end of 2024! @alexagiussaliba @EP_SingleMarket

Reminder on what this means ➡️https://t.co/LjzLs56URf https://t.co/Rh8PHTG0KC

— IMCO Committee Press (@EP_SingleMarket) December 8, 2022

The biggest company most affected by all this is, of course, Apple. Cupertino has long argued against making USB-C mandatory as it says the move would stifle innovation. It notes that European authorities once wanted Apple to adopt Micro-USB and claims that neither Lightning nor USB-C would have been invented if the switch had occurred. Apple also says the move will create more e-waste, not less, due to the number of chargers that people will have to throw away.

After the EU ruling, Apple begrudgingly admitted that the iPhone would have to abandon the Lightning connector, which, unlike USB-C, doesn't support USB 3.1 gen 2 and is capped at 14W power delivery.

The first of Apple's USB-C handsets could arrive next year. According to rumors, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will support high-speed transfers (at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3), while he two standard iPhone 15 models will max out at USB 2.0 speeds.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/96912-eu-reveals-deadline-all-new-phones-feature-usb.html

 

[antiproduct]

If only they'd make it for all laptops too. That'd be nice. Although I guess the magnetically attached chargers can be pretty nice.

 

[yRaz]

If only they'd make it for all laptops too. That'd be nice. Although I guess the magnetically attached chargers can be pretty nice.

They are but there is a major problem with everything USB-c, not all chargers are compatible with the fast charging standard or data rates. There is a million different types of USB-c connectors which is worse than having different standards because not only do we have the same compatibility problem that having numerous USB standards left us, now we can't easily identify what cable is capable of what.

We still have the same problems this legislation was trying to solve. We still have different cables but now they all just look the same.

 

[m3tavision]

Apple always trying to be creative (marketing) around the edges...

 

[nismo91]

They are but there is a major problem with everything USB-c, not all chargers are compatible with the fast charging standard or data rates. There is a million different types of USB-c connectors which is worse than having different standards because not only do we have the same compatibility problem that having numerous USB standards left us, now we can't easily identify what cable is capable of what.

We still have the same problems this legislation was trying to solve. We still have different cables but now they all just look the same.

I agree. the problem with type-C cable is that they look exactly alike but they have different tech inside them. there are so many different charging protocols when you want to shop for a new type-c cable you have to be sure of the wattage and the protocol before buying. it's even worse now that phone manufacturers are competing to put bigger and bigger charger for their new phones.

imagine your old phone came with a 25W charger, and you upgraded to a new one with 60W. you'll find out soon enough that your old cable won't work with the new charger. then you upgrade your phone again to a new one with 100W charger and you realized your 60W cable don't work with this new charger. and the cycle continues. all these cables look the same but they are actually not.

of course apple will change the iphone's port to type-C but who are we to say they won't incorporate some sort of new charging tech (beside the current PD) that requires a different type-c cable than what samsung and pixel use. time for new cable again. apple loves to put "authentication" chip inside their cable it's only a matter of time before their type-c cable uses the same thing.

 

[EndRessentiment]

They are but there is a major problem with everything USB-c, not all chargers are compatible with the fast charging standard or data rates. There is a million different types of USB-c connectors which is worse than having different standards because not only do we have the same compatibility problem that having numerous USB standards left us, now we can't easily identify what cable is capable of what.

We still have the same problems this legislation was trying to solve. We still have different cables but now they all just look the same.

Eh, last time I checked USB-C being so common really isn't worse than what we had before. It's because even though different USB-C cables do different things, almost always you'll get some functionality when plugging in a cable: basic charging and basic data transfer. That's much better than not being able to do anything because you don't have the right cable type around - not being able to do what you want all because the cable physically doesn't fit.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Eh, last time I checked USB-C being so common really isn't worse than what we had before. It's because even though different USB-C cables do different things, almost always you'll get some functionality when plugging in a cable: basic charging and basic data transfer. That's much better than not being able to do anything because you don't have the right cable type around - not being able to do what you want all because the cable physically doesn't fit.

it isnt any better either, since there is often 0 indication o what cable can do what, or if something is a cheap chinese knockoff that will light on fire when plugged into a high wattage charger.

Plus you now have to explain the concept of varying voltage and amperage to m0r0ns who dont understand why their phone charger wont run their new laptop, where before it was pretty self explanatory.

 

[Fastturtle]

One of the elements of the new Legislation is 100w capacity of all USB-C cables. If they don't meet this requirement, they can be seized by Customs.

Doesn't help the seller that ordered the crap as they're out the money since the chinese company is laughing all the way to the bank while saying "Sucker!"

 

[0dium]

it isnt any better either, since there is often 0 indication o what cable can do what, or if something is a cheap chinese knockoff that will light on fire when plugged into a high wattage charger.

Plus you now have to explain the concept of varying voltage and amperage to m0r0ns who dont understand why their phone charger wont run their new laptop, where before it was pretty self explanatory.

You are saying as if having lots of different shaped cables didn't have this problem.

 

[Watzupken]

Knowing the deadline, pretty sure Apple will drag their feet and body till the very last moment. So I am guessing we won't see any USB C iPhone till 2024.

 

[yRaz]

You are saying as if having lots of different shaped cables didn't have this problem.

that's the point, the problem was never solved.

 

[John J Miller]

Knowing the deadline, pretty sure Apple will drag their feet and body till the very last moment. So I am guessing we won't see any USB C iPhone till 2024.

I think you’re wrong with that assumption. Since generation 10 iPads already have the usb-c connector