This Tuesday, at 7 p.m., Tim Cook will host the traditional Apple Keynote live from Cupertino. It is expected to unveil the iPhone 15, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro. If many new features are expected, what should change is above all the Lightning port, used by the Californian company since 2012. It should give way to the USB-C cable. 20 minutes explains to you the challenges of this technological, political and environmental subject.
What exactly is a USB Type C cable?
USB-C is a connector 24-pin standard for charging, data transfer, audio and video. Thinner and more efficient than its predecessors, used for Android smartphones, it can provide a charging voltage of up to 240 Watts. Created in 2014, the wired cable was designed to ultimately replace all types of USB with a single reversible connector.
What does the legislation say, and what will it change for consumers?
The European directive of October 4, 2022 stipulates that the USB-C port will be mandatory on all electronic devices from December 28, 2024. For consumers, no more accumulation of electrical cables in desk drawers, since only one wire will suffice. This new measure will also allow the reduction of waste linked to new technologies and a saving of 250 million euros each year for European consumers.
“It’s a great day for consumers, a great day for our environment,” rejoiced MEP Alex Agius Saliba, rapporteur of the text, at the time.
Which devices are affected?
Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, headsets, speakers and headphones, digital cameras and portable video game consoles. Computers will follow in 2026.
What is Apple’s position? And what does the multinational risk if it does not integrate USB-C?
Apple has a rather particular position on USB-C. The Californian company participated in the development of this standard as a member of the USB Implementers Forum organization. Also, it already uses it as a charging port on some of its products such as MacBooks or iPads – even the iPad 10 has done so. On the other hand, on its iPhone and AirPods, the firm has until now been resisting.
In the past, it has already defended its Lightning port against the European Union. Apple believes that forcing manufacturers to adopt USB-C represents a brake on innovation. The Cupertino giant judges that a company must have the freedom to use the port of its choice to be able to implement the technologies of its choice there. In a statement, the company said: “(This) will harm consumers in Europe and around the world.”
Interrogates by Fandroid, Alex Aguis Saliba, rapporteur of the European Parliament, recently explained the sanctions planned if Apple does not respect these new standards “Financial sanctions are not part of the scope of the proposed and agreed measures”. Thus, the iPhone manufacturer is not likely to be fined. But before arriving on the European market, a device must comply with a set of rules. We then come to the “CE” marking, which proves that these standards have been respected. The EU could simply ban the sale of these non-compliant products.