Government makes USB-C charging port mandatory: What it means for iPhone and Android smartphone users – Times of India

Following in the European Union‘s footsteps of mandating USB-C chargers for all electronics, the Indian government too is moving in a similar direction. The government has further chalked out its plan to standardise charging ports for smartphones, laptops and tablets in India. As a part of these, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – the body that is responsible for quality certification of electronics and gadgets in the country – is formalising charging standards in the country.
Why common chargers for electronics
The Department of Consumer Affairs says that the aim is: consumer interests and reducing e-waste. The EU too claims similar reasons for making USB type-C compulsory. It has argued that the change will have a positive impact on the environment. In India, two charging standards for electronic devices have been considered.
As far as the timeline of the rollout is concerned, there has been an agreement about phased rollout of the plan so that consumers do not face any trouble with the transition.
As per Rohit Kumar Singh, Consumer Affairs Secretary, India will align with the European Union (EU) timeline, i.e. December 28, 2024 “because the mobile and electronics makers have a global supply chain, and they don’t supply to India alone.”
What this means for Android users?
Most of the Android smartphone makers may not nothing to worry about this mandate because their phones already come with USB-C charging ports. In fact, most earphones, laptops, tablets, etc sold in India have USB-C ports. Those handful that still offer micro-USB ports will have to move to the new standard by the deadline date.
What does it mean for Apple?
Apple is one company that will be hit hardest due to the new mandate. The iPhone maker is the largest phone manufacturer to have not shifted to USB-C for wired charging. Apple’s counter is that if the company shifts to USB-C, there will be e-waste because millions of users will have to shift to the new standard and throw away their Lightning cables.

Earlier this year, Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President, worldwide marketing at Apple said during The Wall Street Journal’s WSJ Tech Live event said that the company “obviously have to comply” with EU’s mandate which talking about the ruling.
Apple may never bring USB-C charging to iPhones
People are watching Apple to see how the technology giant brings USB-C port to its phones or will work its way around the mandate to bring something that doesn’t affect its long-term plans. Industry experts have already hinted that Apple is working on a completely wireless future wherein the solution is expected to be as efficient as its wired charging.
In addition, the time given by the EU and India may be enough for Apple to master its wireless technology. So, instead of moving to USB-C, the company may move to wireless charging on all its products.
Apple usually holds the iPhone launch event in the month of September, therefore, it may not have to bring USB-C until 2025 because the presumed iPhone 16 series is expected to make its debut in September 2024. Since the last date is December 28, 2024, we may see an iPhone with USB-C in September 2025 that too if Apple does not come with the anticipated wireless solutions.