Adam Kos According to speculative information, it is strongly expected that Apple will equip the iPhone 15 with a USB-C connector. But if he doesn't want to, he won't have to because of the EU regulation. It can even use its connector in the iPhone 16. It doesn't seem reasonable, but you know Apple, money comes first in its case and the MFi program is pouring. The first iPhone with USB-C could even be the iPhone 17.
The EU passed its law requiring the use of USB-C in electronic devices on October 4, 2022. It simply requires the use of this standard in all phones, tablets and electronic accessories such as wireless headphones, mice, keyboards, etc. Deadline for implementing changes according to local laws (that is, EU laws) is set for December 28, 2023. However, member states do not have to enforce this law for the entire following year, i.e. until December 28, 2024.
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What does that really mean?
Since Apple introduces iPhones in September, the iPhone 15 will be introduced before the law comes into force, so it can have Lightning with a clear conscience. Even if it is already on the edge, the iPhone 16, which will be presented in September 2024, will still fall into the transition period, so theoretically it does not have to have USB-C either. All devices that will be put on the market before the law comes into force can continue to be sold with the connector that the manufacturer fitted them with.
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But will Apple drive it to the core? He would not have to. After all, he has already taken the first step with the Siri Remote controller for the Apple TV 4K 2022, which contains USB-C instead of Lightning. For iPads and MacBooks, USB-C is already standard equipment. With the exception of iPhones, Apple will therefore have to switch to USB-C for charging cases for AirPods and its accessories, such as keyboards, mice, trackpads, chargers and others.
Planning for products like the iPhone doesn't take place from year to year, but evolves over a number of years. But since the EU's plan to regulate charging connectors has been known for years, Apple could have prepared for it. It is therefore very likely that the iPhone 15 will eventually have USB-C, also for the reason that Apple avoids possible unclear interpretations of the law. It simply cannot afford to stop supplying iPhones to the European market just to try to push its own.
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More markets, more iPhone models
But of course, he can still maintain it artificially Lightning at least in other markets. After all, we already have two versions of iPhones here, when the American ones do not have a slot for a physical SIM. This differentiation of the iPhone intended for the American and European markets could easily deepen even more. However, it is questionable whether it would make sense with regard to production and the fact that there is speculation that other markets will also want to enact USB-C.
By the way, after December 28, 2024, manufacturers have another 40 months to adjust their computers, i.e. laptops in particular, to the wording of the law. In this regard, Apple is cool, since its MacBooks allow charging through the USB-C port since 2015, although they have their proprietary MagSafe. It is particularly unclear how it will be with smart watches, where each manufacturer offers its own and very different solution. But since these are such small devices, USB-C is unthinkable here, which is why most of them are charged wirelessly. But everyone has a different way of dealing with it.
