For consumers and the environment, India also put its behind the adoption of USB-C charging port for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics. In August, it was reported that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs was planning to form a group of experts to decide if the country should proceed with the transition to USB-C tech.
Now, the government has decided to adopt USB-Type C charging port.
Apple might be forced to ship USB-C iPhones beyond the EU
According to the government press release, a consensus was reached on the adoption of USB Type – C as a charging port for electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics at a recent meeting attended by representatives from industry associations such as MAIT, FICCI, CII, educational institutions including IIT Kanpur, IIT (BHU), Varanasi and Central Government ministries including Ministry of Environment Forrest and Climate Change.
It was also decided that a different charging port may be adopted for feature phones and to form a sub-group to “examine the feasibility of uniform charging port for wearables and the possible impact of uniform charging port in electronic devices with regard to e-waste.”
Stakeholders agreed that a phased roll-out of the common charging port is may be conducted so that the same can be applied by the industry and adopted by consumers harmoniously.
The Indian government is following in the footsteps of the EU which passed the “Radio Equipment Directive” law which mandates OEMs like Apple switch from Lightning to USB-C port. Apple has already confirmed it would comply with EU’s new law which means it will ship USB-C iPhones by Autumn 2024 in the region at least. And if India passes a similar law, Apple might be forced to ship USB-C iPhones in the country too.
