Danny Chadwick
For years, Apple resisted modifying the charging port on the iPhone from the company’s Lightning technology to the now-standard USB-C. That’s changing, according to Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak. He made the admission in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
Update, 12/8/22: In a new directive, the EU states that all smartphones must use USB-C by December 28th of 2024. Previously, we did not know the exact date for this “deadline.”
The 35-minute interview, conducted by the Journal’s Joanna Stern, also included Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi. The wide-ranging discussion began with Stern revealing a picture of the two connector cables, quoting a statement from the European Union regarding charging port mandates, and asking the executives, “Is Apple moving to USB-C?”
Apple’s Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) join @JoannaStern at #WSJTechLive to discuss products, privacy and power at the tech giant https://t.co/fNo2JGwMB4 https://t.co/aGrTlZrUo4
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 26, 2022
Jozwiak gave a diplomatic answer, citing how Apple has been in “an argument over this one for well over ten years.” And that when the argument began, the EU wanted to make Micro USB the universal charging standard. He pointed out that neither Lightning nor USB-C would exist if Micro USB had become the standard back then. However, he acknowledged that the company would capitulate to the new EU regulations.
“Obviously, we’ll have to comply. We have no choice, as we do around the world, to comply with local laws.”
It’s not immediately clear when the iPhone will get the mandated redesign or if the company will make a model specific for the European Union and another for the rest of the world.
When asked when the change would occur, Joswiak dodged the question, stating, “The Europeans are the ones dictating timing for European customers.” Stern followed up by asking if Apple would make an exclusive European model. Joswiak replied, “Joanna, you’re trying to get me to predict the future or at least disclose it. You know me better than that.”
The European Union’s universal charging mandate will go into effect in 2024. So, we may see USB-C in the iPhone as early as next October, the month when Apple typically announces its yearly iPhone model.
The 7 Best iPhone 14 Accessories 
Apple iPhone 14 Protective Case
Source: Mashable
