USB-C now mandatory on all mobile devices from December 28, 2024! Worry for Apple?

USB-C port is now mandatory on all mobile devices starting December 28 in the EU. Here are all the details.

USB-C charging ports are now mandated on all mobile devices in the EU countries. (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

USB-C becomes mandatory on all mobile devices in the EU starting late 2024. The decision was already floating and it is now official. Starting December 24, 2024, all mobile devices sold in the EU countries need to have a common charging port, which is the USB-C port. That may not be big news for Android based manufacturers but it is certainly something for Apple. Other than the USB-C port, the regulation also mandates USB Power Delivery on several devices.

Under the eligible mobile device, the product categories included are phones, tablets, cameras, pair of headphones and earbuds, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mouse, and portable navigation systems. These products sold in the EU will require a USB Type-C port to be sold.

USB-C mandated on all mobile devices

Other than the mandatory USB-C port, the regulations also mandate the presence of USB Power Delivery on devices that have higher 15W charging. Hence, manufacturers will need to ensure their products support USB PD. Again, this won't be an issue for most Android phone manufacturers but it could be a big deal for Apple.

With the law in place, Apple now has to ensure two things for its next generation iPhones. The first one is the presence of a USB-C port, and the second one is need to support USB PD. Apple's iPhones support 20W wired charging, and as mandated by the law, it will have to comply.

However, there is a loophole that Apple can employ. The law doesn't state anything about wireless charging. iPhones of the future can hence rely on the MagSafe wireless charging, and wireless data transfer solutions.

That said, Apple's top executives have hinted at complying with the law lately, Rumours say that the iPhone 15 series in 2023 could switch to USB-C port, with the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus supporting USB 2.0 speeds, and the Pro variants supporting faster USB 3.2 speeds. The new iPhone SE 4 is also expected to get a USB-C port.

What remains to be seen is whether Apple modifies its iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 models with USB-C.