Pressure has been mounting on Apple to switch the iPhone's Lightning connector to the USB-C standard.
US and EU First Mandate the Use of USB-C Chargers for iPhones
According to 9to5Mac, earlier this month, the E.U. passed a law requiring USB-C for a variety of electronic devices, including smartphones, by the end of 2024.
In addition, a number of senators also called on the U.S. Commerce Department to implement a similar strategy to address the absence of interoperability standards for charging and other device accessories.
The letter, which was signed by Senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, also claims that having various standards for devices leads to an increase in e-waste and environmental harm, as well as will add cost to consumers who must purchase new chargers.
Such laws would most likely affect Apple, which still uses its own Lightning standard for the iPhone, given that USB-C has become the de facto charging standard for new Android phones.
Brazil Might Be the Next Country To Require the Use of USB-C Chargers for iPhones
A public consultation on the notion to require USB-C chargers for all smartphones sold in Brazil has been launched by the telecoms regulator Anatel.
The Verge, citing Anatel's statement, reported that the benefits of making USB-C mandatory would primarily be a decrease in e-waste and an increase in customer convenience. However, the regulation's higher compliance costs and the potential for deterring companies from creating new, better standards were some of its drawbacks.
"Aware of the aforementioned movements in the international market, Anatel's technical area evaluated the topic and presented a proposal with a similar approach for application in the Brazilian market," said Anatel in a blog post via Google Translate.
Companies would have to migrate to USB-C as of July 1, 2024, as per the news report of Apple Insider.
However, the proposal does permit businesses to completely do away with charging cables. There would be no requirement to have a USB-C charging port on any device that can only recharge wirelessly.
According to Anatel, the public consultation is open until Aug. 26.
Apple May Already Be Working on USB-C Charger
According to 9to5Mac, both analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and journalist Mark Gurman for Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Apple had been internally testing new iPhone models with USB-C rather than Lightning port. Unfortunately, there are no indications that a USB-C iPhone will be produced this year. As a result, the publication speculated that it's possible that Apple will delay the transition until 2023.
Apple is also rumored to be working on a new AirPods Pro with a USB-C port on the charging case.
Apple is anticipated to sell a new entry-level iPad with USB-C later this year, according to sources cited by 9to5Mac. This change will mark the end of the Lightning connector for the next generation of iPads and follow that path for all Apple products.
