The Indian government wishes to examine “the prospect of eliminating the need for multiple charges in every home.” Apple could face a worse challenge if the government decides to proceed, given the company does not supply a universal iPhone charger.
Apple has included the lightning port in iPhones for years, despite the fact that practically all Android phones today include a Type-C port. True wireless earbuds also contain a Type-C connection, allowing them to be charged with a standard charger, just like a number of laptops. Not so for Apple, since the Cupertino-based tech giant equips iPhones, AirPods, and the entry-level iPad with lightning ports. The Type-C port is included with select iPad models, as well as the MacBook Pro and Air.
The European Union agreed earlier this year to establish a rule mandating the use of a standard charging connector for a variety of electronic gadgets.
Even Brazil approved a law requiring enterprises to have a standard charging port, and it appears that India will soon follow suit. However, the idea has only recently been proposed, so it will be intriguing to see how the rule is enforced, if at all.
If it does succeed, Apple and others will likely have time to implement the changes, and by then the iPhone may feature a Type-C port.
Apple introduced the lightning port for the first time with the iPhone 5 in 2013. However, Apple will have no choice but to adopt the proposed rule change as a result of the EU’s proposal. Apple may be able to make the transition to Type-C as early as 2023, if rumours are to be believed. This indicates that the iPhone 2024 model may feature a Type-C connector.
Apple does not need to entirely abandon the lightning connector, as the countries have shown no indication of modifying charging cable rules.
