Apple reportedly wants to switch from Lightning to USB-C for its AirPods and various Mac accessories in 2024. With the iPhone, the switch could come sooner to avoid EU fines.

Apple

Report: Apple plans to switch to USB-C by 2024

Apple insider Mark Gurman describes in his latest “Power On” bulletin at Bloomberg that Apple has decided to say goodbye to the Lightning connector. According to him, the group the switch to USB-C by 2024 at the latest to create. Specifically, it names AirPods, or the charging case for wireless headphones, and Mac accessories. By 2024, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad will have USB-C for charging.

For the iPhone, Gurman even assumes 2023. According to him, already the iPhone 15 range completely to USB-C set instead of Lightning. The background is likely to be the EU’s efforts to enforce the unrestricted USB-C obligation from fall 2024. If Apple were to switch to just the iPhone 16, the switch might be too late and Apple would have to brace for fines. .

However, Gurman describes in his bulletin that Apple nonetheless The future does not see USB-C. The connection would “not necessarily” be available to Apple longer than was the case with previous connections. Rather, Apple’s future is wireless (Source: Bloomberg).

USB-C offers a number of advantages. More about this in the video:

EU: USB-C mandatory not only for iPhones

Even if iPhones are the focus of Discussion on USB-C obligation stop, the EU directive goes much further. Starting in the fall of 2024, not only smartphones, but basically all rechargeable electronic devices should be able to use the unified charging port feature. This includes mobile headsets and speakers, but also e-book readers, navigation systems, mice and keyboards. Laptop manufacturers have a grace period until spring 2026.