The EU just ruled that a whole bunch of devices are to be using USB-C connectors – including all mobile phones. That means goodbye to Apple’s proprietary Lightning cable too.
The Apple Lightning connector was introduced in 2012 as a replacement for Apple’s horrendous 30-pin connector that scratched up devices and also snapped under a little perpendicular force. The Lightning connector also made the idea of a reversible USB cable mainstream, propelling the idea and leading to the eventual development of USB-C.
In a way, without Lightning cables, USB-C wouldn’t exist.
Also no, I don’t think this year’s iPhones will be using USB-C. Realistically, I think we’ll have to wait until the next year instead.
According to the official press release from the EU, it states that these devices will require to be using the USB-C interface:
- e-readers
- earbuds
- keyboards
- computer mice
- portable navigation devices
- smartphones
- tablets
- digital cameras
- headphones
- headsets
- handheld videogame consoles
- portable speakers
The EU has given enough time for everyone to make the jump to USB-C. Officially, the deadline is vaguely mentioned as “autumn 2024” and being someone who stays in a country with only two seasons a year, I resorted to Google. and Google said autumn lasts until nearly the end of the year – so I presume the end of 2024 is the deadline for this change?
Under the EU’s official press release, it highlights a few more things other than just the cables. It will also “harmonize” fast charging speeds for devices that support fast charging, and also whether or not users want to purchase a new device with or without a charger.
I’m perplexed by these two statements. The first one is pretty simple since we already have the brilliant USB-PD charging standard, but does that mean all proprietary fast-charging standards are illegal too? Can we say goodbye to OPPO’s VOOC or whatever Xiaomi uses to cal their 120W fast charging?
Honestly, I don’t use fast charging and I couldn’t care less about this.
The second statement is what I think needs a bit more explanation. Does it mean that when I purchase a new device, I can choose whether or not to buy a charger alongside the device? Do I have to pay extra? If yes, will they cuck me with a slower charger and force me to buy another more expensive but faster charger?
Still, more questions than answers – but having the enforcement of USB-C connectors on all commonly-used devices is a plus point.
Goodbye, Lightning cables.
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