New Delhi: Apple’s latest iPhone 15, launched on September 12, has ushered in a significant design change mandated not by its Cupertino headquarters but by the European Union (EU), specifically Brussels. The move to adopt USB-C as the charging port is the result of a broader EU initiative aimed at standardizing charging solutions across the tech industry.
The EU’s Role in the Change
Maltese Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Alex Agius Saliba, who led the charge on common chargers in Brussels since early last year, hailed Apple’s move as a historic change. The EU’s goal was to address the proliferation of chargers and cables, which resulted in significant e-waste and financial costs.
MEP Saliba emphasized that this change not only impacts the European market but has global implications, as Apple phones worldwide will now feature USB-C connectors. The EU estimated that the lack of a single charger solution generated 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually and cost over 2 billion euros on standalone chargers each year. It also led to compatibility issues, safety concerns, and additional costs for consumers.
The Significance of Apple’s Move
Apple’s last major charging port change occurred in 2012 when it introduced the proprietary lightning connector. However, the EU’s efforts have now compelled Apple to adopt USB-C, aligning its ports with those found on Android phones, Windows laptops, MacBooks, iPads, and numerous other consumer devices.
MEP Saliba sees this change as a precedent that could be extended to other industries and devices, potentially establishing a global standard similar to the EU’s influential data protection regulations rolled out in 2018.
The EU’s push for a common charger began in 2009 with voluntary industry agreements to harmonize charging ports. Apple remained a notable holdout with its lightning technology until September 2021 when the European Commission issued binding rules mandating USB-C ports for various devices, citing consumer convenience and e-waste reduction.
In October 2021, the European Parliament and EU countries reached a provisional agreement on the legislation. The European Parliament approved it in October 2022. The EU member states had two years to introduce these rules into national laws, which would not apply to products already on the market.
The legislation covered a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, gaming consoles, and more. Laptops had a longer timeline, and consumers were given the option to purchase devices with or without charging equipment.
India’s Position on Charging Solutions
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established standards for Type-C chargers. The government is in the process of prescribing two common types of charging ports for mobiles and wearable electronic devices.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs aims to make USB-C a standard charging port for all electronic devices by March 2025, aligning with the EU’s deadline. Given the globally integrated supply chains of electronic manufacturers, this transition is seen as feasible and supported by the industry.
