In early October, the European Union (EU) voted to enforce all electronic devices to use USB Type-C. While this ruling affects all OEMs and devices, Apple will feel the change the most. In fact, the decision means the company must build iPhones without the Lightning port/cable in Europe. In a new blow for the future of Lightning, India is now following the EU’s lead.
During a meeting of an inter-ministerial task force operating for the government reached a consensus decision to enforce all consumer electronics to have USB Type-C.
The meeting involved the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Kanpur, Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Confederation of Indian Industry, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF).
AJay Garg of the Electronic Industries Association of India, says
“Globally, the shift is pivoted towards USB-C ports, so it would make sense for us to adopt it too. One important point is that the rate of technological obsolescence in the electronic industry is very high and what is in today is out tomorrow.”
Apple Impact
For years, Apple has been avoiding adopting USB on its iPhone device in favor of its own proprietary Lightning cable. While many users and commentators would prefer USB-C, Apple has stuck to its guns.
With the Lightning port and cable, the company has a proprietary connector that it alone controls. There is a lucrative market around licensing the technology to third party accessory makers or by selling official replacements.
It now seems jurisdictions around the world are forcing Apple’s hand. The company says it plans to comply with India’s upcoming laws.
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