Apple may discontinue using USB-C to comply with EU standards

• Apple could stop using iPhone Lightning connector in order to comply with European Union rules.
• USB-C is the standard for data and charging connectors for all devices.
• Apple could keep using Lightning for the iPhone 16 in 2024.
• The iPhone 17 in 2025 will have to use it.
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Apple will eventually stop using the iPhone USB-C in order to comply with the European Union’s December 27, 2024 deadline for device manufacturers to transition to USB-C for their data and charging connectors.

Even though the EU had already decided, this is a new development because of the date (via Engadget). It means that Apple could keep using Lightning for the iPhone 16 in 2024, but the iPhone 17 in 2025 will have to use USB-C.

Apple might get around this limitation by making the iPhone 17 portless, instead relying solely on wireless connectivity for data transfer and power replenishment. The new EU rules don’t apply to devices that can only be charged wirelessly.
We’ve already heard rumours that Apple is considering making the iPhone 15’s port a USB-C port, at least for the Pro models. But at this point, it’s safe to say that we’ve heard the same rumour about several iPhones.

The EU is giving laptop makers until April 2026 to meet the new rules. Also, hardware companies will have to make sure that the charging speed is the same no matter what charger is used. This will make it easier for devices to work together.

Obviously, this only applies to the EU, but it would be counterproductive for a company like Apple to produce two versions of its products, one with USB-C and one without. Now, the only question is how long we’ll have to wait for an iPhone with USB-C.

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