The Indian government is following in the footsteps of the European Union by requiring USB-C chargers for all products. Further details of the government’s intention to standardise charging ports for smartphones, laptops, and tablets in India have been outlined. The Bureau of Indian Criteria (BIS), the organisation in charge of certifying the quality of electronics and gadgets in the nation, is formalising charging standards as part of these.
The goal, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs, is to protect consumer interests while lowering e-waste. Similar justifications are also offered by the EU for mandating USB type-C. It made the case that the modification will benefit the environment. Two electronic device charging standards have been taken into consideration in India.
There has been agreement on a staggered deployment of the strategy so that customers do not have any difficulties with the shift in terms of timing.
India will follow the European Union (EU) timeframe, i.e. December 28, 2024, according to Rohit Kumar Singh, the secretary for consumer affairs, “since the mobile and electronics producers have a global supply chain, and they don’t provide to India alone.”
Because their smartphones already have USB-C charging connections, the majority of Android smartphone manufacturers may not need to worry about this need. Actually, the majority of headphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices marketed in India feature USB-C connectors. Those few devices that still have micro-USB connectors will have to switch over before the deadline.
One company that will be severely hurt by the new requirement is Apple. The biggest phone manufacturer, Apple, has not switched to USB-C for cable charging. According to Apple, if the firm switches to USB-C, there would be electronic waste because millions of consumers will have to switch to the new standard and discard their Lightning cables.
The Wall Street Journal’s WSJ Tech Live event featured Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at Apple, who claimed that the business “clearly have to comply” with the EU’s directive.
iPhones may never support USB-C charging from Apple. People are monitoring Apple to see if it will comply with the rule and add a USB-C port to its phones or if it will find a method to offer something that won’t interfere with its long-term goals. Industry insiders have already hinted that Apple is developing a fully wireless charging system that is anticipated to be just as effective as its current cable charging.
The timeframe specified by the EU and India may also be sufficient for Apple to perfect its wireless technology. Therefore, the corporation might switch to wireless charging for all of its products rather than USB-C. Given that Apple typically hosts its iPhone launch event in September and that the rumoured iPhone 16 series is anticipated to appear in September 2024, USB-C may not be necessary until 2025. Since the deadline is December 28, 2024, if Apple does not provide the promised wireless solutions by September 2025, we may see an iPhone with USB-C.
