The deadline set by the European Union for device manufacturers to move to USB-C is December 27, 2024. This means Apple will have to discontinue the iPhone Lightning connector.
Although the EU’s decision was already made, the date (via Engadget (opens new tab)The new development is ). This means that the 2024 iPhone 16 can use USB-C without any problems, but the 2025 iPhone 17 will need it.
There is a loophole. Apple could make the iPhone 17 completely portable. It would use Wi-Fi to transfer data and charge the battery. The EU’s new rules exempt devices that charge wirelessly.
The clock is ticking
We have already heard rumors that Apple is thinking of switching the iPhone 15 over to USB-C for its port – or at least the Pro models of the phone. We can safely say that the same rumor has been heard for several other iPhones.
The deadline extended by the EU for laptop manufacturers is April 2026. Hardware companies will also need to ensure that all chargers have the same charging speed in order to improve compatibility.
This applies only to EU countries, but it is not going to make sense for Apple to produce two versions of its products with USB C. It is now only a matter of how long we will have to wait before we see a USB C iPhone.
Analysis: The road to USBC
It has been a long journey to get the iPhone to adopt USB-C. It’s something we have requested since the iPhone 12 in 2020. Rumours about Apple making the switch to USB-C on its flagship handsets have been swirling for almost as long.
Apple is familiar with the technology. It uses it in its MacBook ports as well as on its iPad devices. Even the entry level iPad made the switch earlier this year to USB-C, so it’s not just the iPhones that still use the Lightning standard.
It makes sense for Apple to switch really – at this point there’s not much of a reason to stick with its proprietary standard. Apple executives have openly admitted that they will have the responsibility to comply with any directives issued by the EU.
Although we’d be surprised if Apple delays introducing USB-C to the iPhone 17, it may be too soon. This is all speculation, but perhaps the iPhone 16 – estimated time of arrival, September 2024 – will be the first to carry USB-C.
