Electronics industry players in India have agreed to phase out unified USB-C charging ports for devices such as smartphones and laptops, the government announced on Wednesday.
The introduction of the USB-C connectors used by many Android-based devices is expected to hurt Apple Inc, whose iPhones are currently charged with a Lightning cable.
The iPhone maker must replace the charger for its phones in the European Union in autumn 2024 to comply with new regulations mandating a single charging port for most electronic devices.
“A broad consensus has emerged among stakeholders on the adoption of USB Type-C as a charging port for electronic devices,” the Consumer Ministry said in a statement after a government task force meeting with industry groups representing smartphone gamers.
Another charging port can be used for phones that lack the advanced features of a smartphone, e.g. B. the ability to use the Internet to download applications, the ministry said.
A group is also being formed to study the feasibility of a unified charging port for wearable devices such as headphones and smartwatches, the government said.
The statement did not name any companies that attended the meeting or agreed to the phased-in proposal. The government will conduct a study to assess the environmental impact of switching to a unified charging port, it said.
Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
