Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 15 line-up at a product launch event on Tuesday evening, the 12th of September. In the new iPhones Apple was said to be introducing the first major change of charging technology in more than a decade, with the introduction of a USB-C charging port that will replace the proprietary lightning connection, writes Politico.
Apple’s decision to introduce USB-C charging ports on iPhone 15 models comes under pressure from European Union (EU) rules that require USB-C charging ports on all smartphones and electronic devices by the end of 2024.
Apple has previously resisted this change, claiming that it hinders innovation.
This marks the end of more than a decade of dispute between Apple and the EU and demonstrates the EU’s ability to force compliance with its established guidelines even on tech giants like Apple.
Maltese social democrat Alex Agius Saliba, a key member of the case, told Politico that Apple executives “almost laughed at us” when EU lawmakers raised the issue of a common charger some three years ago.
In September 2021, the European Commission proposed mandatory USB-C ports for smartphones, tablets, and a range of other devices,
citing consumer convenience and reducing e-waste as reasons.
EU lawmakers extended the scope of these rules to additional devices such as laptops.
Saliba has pointed out that these common charger port rules have the potential to create a global standard, similar to the EU’s data protection rules, stressing that this is not only a victory for European consumers but also a message that resonates in other parts of the world.