Europe decided and finally Apple should offer USB-C ports on all its devices by fall 2024. The device list includes iPhones, AirPods, computers, and iPads. The EU wants all phones to work with interoperable chargers, here’s what that means for Apple’s Lightning port.

In a press release, the Committee for Internal Market and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament said, A law to make USB-C the common charging port on a range of consumer electronics for the fall of 2024.

Europe will replace Apple

The changes Europe wants will greatly affect the iPhone and its philosophy

From the effective date of the law, exemptions will only apply to devices too small to offer a USB-C portsuch as smartwatches, health trackers, and some sports equipment, but the legislation will expand to other devices such as laptops over time.

The measure that will greatly affect Apple’s pursuits reduce electronic wastewill address the sustainability of the product and make the use of different devices more comfortable.

Although the European Commission tried to reach a final decision on the issue in 2018, the claims of the companies were taken into account. Apple warns forcing a common industry charging port will suffocate innovation and it would create electronic waste as consumers had to switch to new cables.

However, after a year of discussion, the issue was revisited last year, The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee voted in favor of the directive with 43 votes in favour. and only two against.

The next step will be to wait for the official approval of the European Parliament and the European Council at the end of this year. The law will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal, and its provisions will begin to apply to new devices after 24 months..

Previously, many analysts agreed, including Apple expert Ming Chi Kuo. Apple is testing if it could offer an “iPhone” version with a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. Kuo believes Apple could ‘switch the iPhone to USB-C’ starting with the iPhone 15 in 2023, just before the legislation takes effect in Europe.