EXPLAINED | What Is The EU Deal On Common Charger? How Will It Force Apple To Kill Lightning Port

The new EU deal means that Apple will be forced to bid adieu to the Lightning iPhone port which it has been introducing to date in iPhones.

In a setback for Apple, the EU has reached a deal that makes it mandatory for small and medium-sized portable electronic devices, notably other smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and digital cameras to use the USB Type-C charger. The EU reached a deal on a common charger, in an attempt to reduce hassle for consumers and also check e-waste.

What does the new EU deal mean for Apple?

The new EU deal means that Apple will be forced to bid adieu to the Lightning iPhone port which it has been introducing to date in its iPhone models. The Lightning iPhone ports are being used by almost 20 per cent of devices sold in Europe. Notably, Apple introduced the Type-C port in its 12-inch MacBook model in 2015 and in the iPad Pro in 2018. However, there has been a debate over the better shelf life of Lightning Ports over Type-C ports as the latter is said to become loose with usage.

The EU agreement also means that Apple will be forced to use Type-C chargers for wired charging in iPhones by 2024 as the deal will apply from autumn 2024 for all smartphones sold in the bloc.

What is the EU agreement on common charger?

By autumn 2024, USB Type-C chargers will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU, Parliament and Council negotiators have agreed. "The provisional agreement on the amended Radio Equipment Directive, establishes a single charging solution for certain electronic devices. This law is a part of a broader EU effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, to reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier," the European Parliament said in a statement.

Meanwhile, earlier in May, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman had reported that Apple has begun testing future iPhone models that replace the current Lightning charging port with the USB-C connector, quoting people with knowledge of the matter. It should be noted that the iPhone maker has stayed away from USB Type-C port all these years, but several factors, including the EU legislation, may force it to change its plan.

According to famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 15 may be the first phone from Apple to come with a USB Type-C port instead of its signature Lightning cable. The Apple analyst had made the prediction last month after reports suggested that Apple may ditch the notch on its 2024 lineup of iPhones.