EU Mandates USB‑C for Mobile Devices and Apple's Response

Last October 4, the European Parliament passed a new rule requiring all portable smart devices such as smartphones and tablets sold in Europe to use the USB‑C charging interface starting at the end of 2024.

On October 24, the European Council formally approved the Parliament's universal charger regulation, finalizing the legislative process.

This regulation means that from the end of 2024, consumers buying new phones or other electronic products will no longer need to purchase different chargers; all devices can use a USB‑C charger, though consumers may still choose to buy a charger separately.

Apple initially resisted the EU's uniform connector plan, arguing that strict regulation of a single connector would stifle innovation and harm consumers worldwide, but ultimately complied with the mandatory requirement.

On October 26, Apple’s Global Marketing Vice President Greg Joswiak said Apple would have to switch its iPhone and other Lightning‑based devices to USB‑C to comply with the EU rule.

This indicates that the entire iPhone 15 lineup will adopt USB‑C, otherwise it cannot be sold in the EU in 2024.

Rumors suggest Apple’s Type‑C port will be encrypted, meaning users will need to purchase Apple‑approved or MFI‑certified cables for data transfer or high‑power charging, and existing generic USB‑C chargers may not work fully with future iPhones.

Industry insiders reported that Apple has developed its own Type‑C/Lightning interface IC for the upcoming iPhone and MFI‑certified accessories.

The encrypted Type‑C implementation implies that only cables provided by Apple or MFI‑certified manufacturers will support full functionality, limiting the use of third‑party USB‑C cables for iPhone charging.

Public reaction is mixed: some users are unsurprised by Apple’s encryption approach, while others hope it may lead to unique features; some compare it to China’s fragmented fast‑charging ecosystem and note that Chinese regulators are also working toward a unified fast‑charging standard.

It is also noted that the tenth‑generation iPad switched from Lightning to USB‑C without restricting functionality or charging power, suggesting Apple may allow basic charging with any USB‑C cable but reserve high‑speed data or high‑power charging for MFI‑certified accessories.

Overall, the transition to USB‑C on iPhone is imminent, but whether a generic USB‑C cable will fully charge future iPhones remains to be seen.

(Edited by 崔崔)