India could mandate USB-C on all smart devices soon! More trouble for Apple?

It was the EU that mandated the presence of USB-C on smart devices and it will be India next to make a similar rule. The Union government had initially set up an inter-ministerial task force to let discussions happen and after a few rounds, it has been agreed upon to mandate USB-C on all smart devices sold in the country. “India will shift to a USB type C charging port for all smart devices after stakeholders reached a consensus at a meeting of an inter-ministerial task force set up by the Union government,” consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said on Wednesday.

“During the meeting, a broad consensus emerged among stakeholders on adoption of USB Type – C as a charging port for electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops etc. Further, it was deliberated that a different charging port may be adopted for feature phones,” added Singh.

USB-C to be mandated on smart devices

The government, however, will be deciding on two common chargers instead of a single one. It is said that there will be one port for all compatible smart devices and there will be one for low-cost feature phones. The idea is to reduce the generation of e-waste in the country and also help simplify things for consumers.

One of the concerns, according to the report, was also related to the move from the EU. It is said that the EU’s mandate for USB-C will lead tech brands to dump obsolete products in India and hence, the country has to counter it.

As of now, no official decision has been taken on what ports will be chosen as the standard ones. “Globally, the shift is pivoted towards USB-C ports, so it would make sense for us to adopt it too. One important point is that the rate of technological obsolescence in the electronic industry is very high and what is in today is out tomorrow,” said Ajay Garg of Electronic Industries Association of India.

Hence, if the USB-C is chosen as the standard port for all smart devices, most Android phone users may not need to worry. USB-C is already a standard port even on most entry-level Android smartphones these days. The only worry will be for Apple that still uses its Lightning port on iPhones and AirPods.