In a stunning development that’s left tech enthusiasts and industry insiders alike abuzz, the European Union has confirmed that Apple can indeed manufacture a portless iPhone without relying on the traditional USB-C port. This groundbreaking announcement comes as a significant boost to the company’s plans to expand its product lineup and cater to a wider range of consumers.
For those who may not be familiar with the story, Apple’s iPhone was one of the first devices to popularize the concept of a seamless, portless design. Since then, the company has continued to push the boundaries of innovation, releasing a series of sleek and compact models that have become hallmarks of the Apple brand.
EU Mandates USB-C Chargers for All Smartphones Sold in the EU by 2024
The European Union has finally reached a provisional agreement on the amended Radio Equipment Directive, which mandates the use of USB-C chargers for all smartphones sold in the EU by 2024. This move is part of the EU’s broader effort to make products more sustainable, reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. This includes mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles, and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable.
Background and the EU’s Decision
The EU has been discussing the idea of mandating a single charging point for almost a decade, and had it done so when the idea was first proposed, the common standard would have been microUSB. However, with the delays and debates, the standard has now shifted to USB-C.
The provisional agreement establishes a single charging solution for certain electronic devices, and laptops will also have to be adapted to the requirements within 40 months after the entry into force.
The charging speed is also harmonized for devices that support fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
Impact on Apple and the Portless iPhone Option
This development could have posed a problem for Apple, which has maintained a Lightning port for iPhones despite transitioning both Macs and iPads to USB-C. However, recent reports indicate that the company actually plans to make the change a year ahead of the deadline.
Ming-Chi Kuo pointed to supply-chain evidence for Apple switching from Lightning to USB-C next year, which would mean the first USB-C iPhone would be the iPhone 15. This was backed by a Bloomberg report, which stated that Apple is internally testing an iPhone design with USB-C instead of Lightning, but the change won’t come before next year.
However, it’s worth noting that Apple could opt for a portless iPhone, with no wired charging port at all. The Directive requires that mobile phones and similar radio devices, if they are capable of being recharged via wired charging, are equipped with the USB Type-C receptacle. This means that it would be perfectly legal for Apple to instead sell a portless iPhone.
Many expect that the company will opt for this at some point, to allow slimmer, sleeker devices, with better waterproofing. However, it seems that we’ll see a USB-C iPhone before that more dramatic move.
EU Confirms Apple Can Make a Portless iPhone Without USB-C – 9to5Mac
The pressure on Apple to create USB-C iPhones in place of Lightning ones ramped up another notch today, as the European Union reach agreement on making the charging port mandatory from 2024. Recent reports do indicate that Apple is prepared for this, with the iPhone 15 expected to make the switch from Lightning to USB-C – though the company does have a second option.
The EU has been talking about mandating a single charging point for so long that, had it done so when the idea was first proposed, the common standard would have been the utterly horrible microUSB. Almost a decade of debate and delays means that the standard will instead be USB-C, with the EU last week announcing that a final decision would be reached today.
USB-C iPhones Mandatory from 2024
As expected, the result of the meeting confirmed that a USB-C charging port will be a legal requirement for all smartphones sold within the 27 countries of the European Union by 2024. By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed today.
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.
Apple’s Portless iPhone Option: Is it Possible and What Would it Mean?
Technically, the Directive still has to be voted on by the European Parliament, and enacted by the European Council, but those stages are expected to be formalities. How will Apple respond? This might have posed a problem for Apple, which has maintained a Lightning port for iPhones despite transitioning both Macs and iPads to USB-C – but recent reports indicate that the company actually plans to make the change a year ahead of the deadline.
My latest survey indicates that 2H23 new iPhone will abandon Lightning port and switch to USB-C port. USB-C could improve iPhone’s transfer and charging speed in hardware designs, but the final spec details still depend on iOS support. This was backed by a Bloomberg report just a few days later.
Apple’s Potential for Further Innovation with USB-C Technology
Bloomberg reports that while Apple is internally testing an iPhone design with USB-C instead of Lightning, the change won’t come before next year. That puts the change on the so-called iPhone 15 lineup that would likely arrive in September 2023.
Apple could go portless Although we do expect Apple to comply with the law, it would have another option. Part of the wording of the Directive reads (our emphasis): It requires that mobiles phones and the similar radio devices, if they are capable to be recharged via wired charging, are equipped with the USB Type-C receptacle That would mean it would be perfectly legal for Apple to instead sell a portless iPhone, with no wired charging port at all.
Many expect that the company will opt for this at some point, to allow slimmer, sleeker devices, with better waterproofing, but it seems we’ll see a USB-C iPhone before that more dramatic move.
Practical Aspects and Future Developments
Timeline for Implementation of the New EU Regulations
How Apple Will Respond to the Mandate and What to Expect from Future iPhone Models
Implications for Consumers and the Mobile Device Industry as a Whole
Conclusion
In a significant development, the EU has confirmed that Apple can design a portless iPhone without the traditional USB-C port. This revelation has sparked debate among tech enthusiasts and manufacturers, as it paves the way for a new generation of smartphones that eschew traditional connectivity options. According to reports, the EU’s approval allows Apple to explore innovative wireless charging solutions, potentially redefining the smartphone experience.
The implications of this development are far-reaching, with the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices. The EU’s willingness to adapt to emerging technologies underscores the evolving nature of consumer demand, where seamless connectivity and convenience are increasingly prized. As technology continues to advance, it’s clear that the lines between innovation and regulation will continue to blur. The future of smartphone design is likely to be shaped by a delicate balance between technological advancements and regulatory frameworks.