Apple confirms iPhones will get USB-C charging to comply with EU law

Earlier this month, the European Parliament voted to back EU legislation that will standardize mobile chargers on USB Type-C in a bid to drive the re-use of chargers and cut back on e-waste in the EU.

Apple is one of the major manufacturers that would be hugely affected by the new legislation, given it’s been such a stickler for its proprietary smartphone charging (lightning connectors) standard as mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port by the end of 2024.

"Obviously, we’ll have to comply." Joswiak, Apple's SVP of worldwide marketing responded when asked whether Apple is moving to USB-C. "We have no choice as we do around the world but to comply to local laws," Joswiak continued.

However, it is still unclear whether Apple plans to make a different variant for the European market while continuing to sell phones with lightning connectors elsewhere. Apple is also notorious for shipping new devices without power adapters stating environmental concerns and has since faced several fines in countries like Brazil.

Other governments are now looking to take on the same approach and adopt a USB-C common charger standard by 2024 to combat e-waste.