It’s lastly occurred: the EU has handed a regulation mandating that each new smartphone should have a USB-C port from 2024.
The regulation, which in line with a press release will come into impact from “the tip of 2024”, additionally applies to tablets and cameras, however, the largest influence will likely be on smartphones, most notably affecting iPhones, as they’re the one mainstream handset to not already use USB-C.
Presently, Apple nonetheless makes use of its increasingly-dated proprietary Lightning port for its telephones – even brand-new fashions, just like the iPhone 14 Professional – however, this regulation implies that within the EU no less than, the corporate should provide USB-C within a few years.
In apply, meaning Apple will most likely make the swap with the iPhone 16 on the newest, nevertheless, it’s prone to make the change even earlier; because the wording within the press launch suggests this modification will apply to all gadgets which can be nonetheless on sale at that time – not simply ones which can be launched after the regulation change.
So we’ll possible see the swap occur with the iPhone 15, particularly as there are already rumours that the iPhone 15 line would possibly use USB-C. Plus, Apple has already moved to USB-C for iPads, so it at all times appeared like solely a matter of time earlier than its telephones would do the identical.
Evaluation: just a little little bit of wiggle room
Whereas the only – and almost definitely – resolution for Apple could be to exchange Lightning ports with USB-C on future iPhones worldwide, there are options.
For one factor, this regulation solely applies to the EU, so Apple might select to solely promote USB-C iPhones within the EU, with different areas sticking to Lightning. However that might imply making two considerably completely different variations of every one of its telephones, which seems like an extra problem – and doubtless price – than its value.
It already does this to a lesser diploma, with the present iPhone 14 collection, which within the US forgo a bodily SIM card slot altogether, as an alternative solely counting on eSIM know-how, whereas the SIM tray stays on items bought in different markets internationally.
Apple might technically additionally maintain the Lightning port so long as there’s a USB-C port as nicely, however that appears spectacularly unlikely; they don’t seem to be meant to straight compete towards one of the best gaming telephones on the market, a few of which sport two ports, for each portrait and panorama charging.
Lastly, Apple might ditch ports altogether and resort to wi-fi charging and information switch solely on future telephones. There have been whispers of a portless iPhone for some time, however, we suspect that if one comes in any respect it’s additional out than 2024.
