Apple iPhones forced to go USB-C or portless by 2024

The European Commission makes good on its previous announcement, now Cook and friends will have to decide

Announced as a mere plan almost a year ago, it will be the law in September: all portable devices sold in the EU have to be charged via USB-C by 2024… and now Apple’s hand is forced. (Image: Mishaal Zahed, Unsplash)

It certainly took long enough — it kind of makes you wonder what is it exactly that those people in Brussels do anyway, no? — but what was first expressed as a mere proposal in September 2021 is now agreed upon by all European Union lawmakers: by autumn 2024, every portable electronic device sold in every one of those countries will need to use a USB Type-C port for charging. The agreement — which will become law after approval by both the European Council and European Parliament in September — refers to smartphones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and rechargeable portable speakers. Laptops will also need to use USB-C, but their manufacturers are afforded a 40-month extension to the beginning of 2026.

The aim of the European Commission is to reduce electronic waste and make all of these tech products more consumer-friendly by making them work with a common charger instead of proprietary or various different ones. “Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices”, states the official press release. “These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases”. Now, all we have to do is think of what to spend all that extra money on. Great!

Apple has so far resisted switching to USB-C from the now aging Lightning port all iPhones use, but it seems like it will have to, even for a few years. (Image: Daniel Romero, Unsplash)

The press release is strangely optimistic about other things too. “The charging speed is also harmonized for devices that support fast charging”, claims the press release, “allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger”. Anyone who knows anything about fast charging of portable devices will have a good laugh with this, of course, as “fast charging” is a rather broad term and “harmonization” of charging speeds across product categories simply…