Major decision by EU impacts US firm Apple Inc
The European Union (EU) in Sept 2022 voted on a new regulation that will standardize the connector type for USB-C ports. The new regulation, which was approved by a large majority, will require all new smartphones, tablets, and laptops sold in the EU to use the USB-C connector. This is a big win for the USB-C standard, which is already used by many devices but has been held back by a lack of industry-wide adoption.
The USB-C connector is a small, reversible connector that can be used for both data and power. It is already used by many devices, including the Apple MacBook, Chromebook Pixel, and Nokia N1 tablet. However, it has not been widely adopted by the smartphone industry, due in part to the fact that there is no industry-wide standard. This has led to a situation where some devices use USB-C while others use micro USB or other proprietary connectors.
The new EU regulation will change that by requiring all new smartphones, tablets, and laptops sold in the EU to use the USB-C connector. This will make it much easier for consumers to use their devices with a single connector, and it will also make it easier for manufacturers to create accessories that work with all devices. The regulation will come into effect in two years, giving manufacturers time to transition to the new connector.
The USB-C standard is a big win for consumers and manufacturers, and it is great to see the EU taking action to promote it.
Apple said – It would hurt innovation
It’s not like USB Type-C standard has not been used by Apple, it is present on all of their most recent MacBooks. Now that the firm has made a move that may help it advance toward being the new standard for charging smartphones.
Apple intends to add a USB Type-C port on the upcoming iPhone that will be used for both charging and data transfer, according to a report from 9to5Mac. This would mark the first time that Apple has used the newer USB standard on its flagship smartphone.
The presence of a USB Type-C port on the upcoming iPhone is not yet set in stone but may come as a surprise before the gadget is formally unveiled. Apple’s decision to use a USB Type-C port would be a significant endorsement of the standard, though.
Currently, the majority of smartphones on the market charge and transmit data using Micro-USB. The USB Type-C standard is, however, steadily gaining popularity and is already present on majority Android smartphones from small to flagship phones.
If Apple does really add a USB Type-C port on the upcoming iPhone, it might expedite the standard’s uptake. Users may find it simpler to charge their devices as they would only need to carry a single cord.
It’s crucial to remember that Apple has not confirmed any of this information, and it’s likely that the company will alter its plans before the release of the next iPhone. It would be a major victory for the USB Type-C standard, though, if it’s adopted by Apple too.
Twitter post by iPod creator Tony Fadell on – EU forcing Apple for USB-C
“I’m not too worried about this regulation. They’re simply forcing Apple to do the right thing…It’s overdue, frankly” he tweeted.
“They (Apple)have to put their responsibility for the planet over its shareholders,” he said in another tweet.
