Apple confirms that iPhones receiving USB-C charging comply with EU law
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of global marketing, said Apple will “comply” with European Union regulations that require electronic devices to be equipped with USB-C charging. That means Apple’s iPhones, which currently use its proprietary Lightning charging standard, will need to change to support USB-C.
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Apple will have to comply with European Union law that requires electronic devices to have a common charging standard – known as USB-C – confirmed the company’s marketing director.
“Obviously we’re going to have to comply,” Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of global marketing, said at the Wall Street Journal Tech Live conference on Tuesday.
On Monday, ministers from EU member states gave final approval to the common charger law, which means that by 2024, electronic devices including mobile phones and tablets will need support. USB-C charging.
The Council of Europe seal of approval comes after other EU legislatures vote in favor of the law has been about 10 years in the production process.
Apple’s iPhones use its proprietary Lightning charger. Under upcoming EU legislation, iPhones will need to support USB-C.
Joswiak did not say when Apple will introduce USB-C to its flagship smartphones but it will have to happen in 2024.
Analysts previously told CNBC that the iPhone scheduled for release in 2023 could be equipped with USB-C charging, and that Apple is likely to introduce the standard globally, not just in the European Union.
EU lawmakers say the regulations will reduce waste as consumers don’t need to buy a new charger every time they buy a device. The EU thinks this will reduce the production and disposal of new chargers.
Joswiak has protested to the EU over the charging law, admitting that the two sides had “a bit of a disagreement.”
“We thought the approach would be better for the environment and better for our customers to not let the government take over,” said Joswiak.