Apple will launch their latest iPhone on 12th September, featuring a type-C USB charge port. The company specializes in proprietary lighting adaptors, unlike close rivals like Samsung. This change comes after the European Union implemented a law that directs phone manufacturers to use a modern standard charging port by December 2024. The EU implemented this law amid attempts to cut waste and save consumers money.
Although they argued against the new EU law, most Apple's new products, including iPads, feature the USB Type-C charging port. In any case, Apple representatives lamented when the EU introduced it in September 2021. The representatives argued that strict regulations for a standard USB port type hampered innovation. Thus, minimal innovation on smartphones would limit users worldwide and in Europe.
But lighting to USB type C adaptors is typical among top brands like Amazon in the electronic industries. On the other hand, all iPhones since the 2017 iPhone 8 support wireless charging. While the new iPhone 14 might be the last Apple brand to feature a lightning cable, it could mark the beginning of a new tech-device generation. Yet, it is unclear if the company will adjust to this new version globally.
But Apple's changes usually impact the worldwide market, not the EU alone. The company will announce the new iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Pro smartphones during its annual autumn event next week, anticipating these changes. Experts say switching to the new single charger feature will cut costs by allowing users to use the same charger for iPhones, Macs, and iPads.
In the meantime, the new feature will also enable faster download speeds. It covers various portable electronic devices. They include small & medium-sized devices such as portable speakers, handheld video games, digital cameras, earphones, headsets, and headphones. Other electronic devices include global positioning systems, keyboards, mice, e-readers, tablets, and mobile phones.
Simply put, any device with wired cable charging will feature the Type-C USB port, regardless of the manufacturer. The same law will also impact laptops. Overall, the EU representatives believe that using a standard charging port across all devices will allow users to save up to £213m per year. It will cut extra costs on purchasing multiple chargers. Above all, it will cut UK waste products by up to 11,000 tones yearly.
