No, Apple won’t be making iPhone with USB Type-C charging port
The European Parliament has finally passed a resolution mandating that all consumer electronics including phones, tablets and wireless earbuds etc. to use USB type-C as their standard charging port by the end of 2022. Recently, Joanna Stern from WSJ has interviewed with Apple executives Craig Frederighi (SVP of Software Engineering) and Greg Joswiak (SVP Worldwide Marketing) recently and asked about the EU law mandating USB Type-C charging for all consumer electronics. (Link to the Interview here)Lot of articles and videos have surfaced online saying that Apple has confirmed iPhones with USB Type-C port post this interview. But did they really say that? No, Apple won’t be making iPhone with USB Type-C charging port. Well, let’s see what exactly happened.
What does EU mandate say?
According to European Parliament’s website about data law (https://data.consilium.europa.eu) the below categories of consumer electronic devices has to comply with the new law.
- Handheld mobile phones
- Tablets
- Digital Cameras
- Headphones
- Headsets
- Handheld videogame consoles
- Portable speakers
- e-readers
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Portable Navigation systems
- earbuds
- Laptops
As far as the law states “In so far as they are capable of being charged via wired charging, the categories or classes of radio equipment referred above shall be equipped with USB Type-C receptacle (USB Type-C port)”.
With respect to the timeline mentioned by EU law, by the end of 2024, all mobile phones, cameras and laptops sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. However, the deadline for laptop has been extended till Spring 2026. The legislation has been passed with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions as a broader plan to reduce e-waste and to empower consumers with more sustainable choices.
On 12 September 2012, Apple has announced its lightening cable for iPhones which had mixed reception during initial days of launch. However, the lightening cable became very convenient over the years that it is being used for iPods, iPads and AirPods as well. Its been 10 years and things have changed a lot with the introduction of USB Type-C port and European Parliament focus on digital devices and e-waste reduction. Due to this, Apple has been now pressurised to make iPhones with USB Type-C charging port.
Did Apple really say that they would make iPhones with USB Type-C charging port?
All the articles and videos saying that iPhone comes with a USB Type-C are based on an interview by WSJ with Apple executives Craig Frederighi and Greg Joswiak. When they were asked about EU law mandating USB Type-C charging for all consumer electronics devices including iPhones, here are the exact words said by Greg Joswiak: “Obviously we’ll have to comply. We have no choice as we do around the world to comply to local laws.” Yes, he simply said that Apple will comply with EU laws but nothing about making USB Type-C iPhones.
Then how do they avoid making Type-C port iPhones? Well, Apple is already on their way to release a completely port-less iPhone with wireless charging capability. They have already released iPhones with MagSafe wireless charging compatibility from iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models. Due to EU law, their timeline of releasing wireless charing iPhone has become shorter but not Type-C charging port.
We all know that Apple has its own way of working around things and iPhone with USB Type-C charging port to comply with EU law is not one of their ways for sure. Hence, by 2024, we can expect an iPhone with a fully wireless charging feature without any port for charging. This also provides more space within iPhone to add more components, improve water resistance and making hackers further more difficult to jailbreak an iPhone. Apple can only break the law if their new iPhone is capable of wired charging and still not using USB Type-C port. And all the iPhones and other consumer electronics devices which are already sold by 2024 can still be used by the consumers without USB Type-C.
So in every way, Apple won’t make an iPhone with a USB Type-C charging port and is certainly moving towards implementing its plan of making iPhones with wireless charging feature little earlier, complying with EU law at the same time.
