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The European Union has set a December 27, 2024 deadline for device manufacturers to switch to USB-C for their data and charging ports, meaning Apple will have to give up the iPhone Lightning connector at some point before then.
Although the EU’s decision had already been taken, the date (via engaged (opens in new tab)) is the new development. It means the 2024 iPhone 16 can get away with no USB-C, but the 2025 iPhone 17 will have to include it.
There’s a loophole, which is that Apple could make the iPhone 17 completely portless, so it would rely on Wi-Fi for data transfers and wireless charging to top up the battery. Devices that only charge wirelessly are exempt from the new EU rules.
The clock is ticking
We’ve already heard rumors that Apple is considering switching the iPhone 15 to USB-C for its port – or at least the Pro models of the phone. However, it’s fair to say that we’ve heard the same rumor for several successive iPhones at this point.
For laptop manufacturers, the EU deadline will be extended to April 2026. In addition, hardware companies will need to ensure that the same charging speed is available regardless of which charger is used to improve compatibility.
Of course, this only applies to the EU, but it won’t be worth it for companies like Apple to make one of its products with USB-C and one without. The question now remains how long we have to wait for a USB-C iPhone.
Analysis: the road to USB-C
It’s been a long road before the iPhone adopted USB-C. It’s something we’ve been asking for since the iPhone 12 in 2020, and rumors of Apple making the switch to its flagship handsets have also been doing the rounds for about as long.
Apple is, of course, familiar with the technology: it already uses the standard in its MacBook ports and on its iPad devices. Even the entry-level iPad made the move to USB-C earlier this year, so only the iPhones still use the Lightning standard.
It makes sense for Apple to really switch – right now there’s not much reason to stick to its own standard. Apple executives have publicly admitted that they will have to comply with whatever directive the EU imposes.
We’d be surprised if Apple waits until the iPhone 17 to introduce USB-C, but the iPhone 15 may be just a little too early. This is all speculation, but perhaps the iPhone 16 – estimated arrival time, September 2024 – will be the first with USB-C.