EU to Present Legislation Next Month That Could Force Apple to Use USB-C for iPhone [Report]

The European Commission plans to present legislation next month that could force Apple to use a USB-C charging port for its iPhones, reports Reuters.

Half of chargers sold with mobile phones in the European Union in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector while 29% had a USB C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, a Commission impact assessment study in 2019 found. The EU executive is currently drafting the legislation, the source said, without giving further details. Lawmakers at the European Parliament last year voted overwhelmingly in favour of a common charger, citing environmental benefits and convenience to users.

Apple has spoken out against the proposed legislation. “We believe regulation that forces conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, and would harm consumers in Europe and the economy as a whole,” Apple said. “We hope the Commission will continue to seek a solution that does not restrict the industry’s ability to innovate and bring exciting new technology to customers.”

Even if the EU was successful in forcing companies to move to a common charger, general consensus is that Apple will have moved to a portless iPhone by the time enforcement will kick in.

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