Brazil Latest Country to Consider Forcing Apple to Adopt USB-C for iPhones

[MacRumors]

Brazil has become the latest country to propose mandating Apple to move away from the Lightning connector on the iPhone and switch to USB-C.

As reported by Tecnoblog (via 9to5Mac), Anatel, which serves as Brazil's consumer authority body, has opened a new proposal that would require all smartphones in the country to adopt USB-C. Like proposals in the US and the EU, Anatel says that devices that charge entirely wirelessly will not need to follow through with adopting USB-C.

Anatel says that moving to USB-C will offer "greater convenience for consumers" and could reduce global electronic waste.

Apple has been facing increased pressure from governments and agencies worldwide to move the iPhone to USB-C after more than a decade of the Lightning port. Following pressure, sources such as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Ming Chi-Kuo have confirmed the company is testing an iPhone with a USB-C port.

While the iPhone 14 is approaching, reports suggest a USB-C iPhone won't debut until at least 2023 with the iPhone 15. There have long been rumors of Apple moving to USB-C for the iPhone, but with legislation in Europe gaining traction, it seems more likely it could take place soon.

Legislation in Europe would go further than forcing USB-C on iPhone and would also require all of Apple's products, including all iPad models and AirPods, to move to USB-C. If the legislation goes through, Apple would either need to ship special USB-C ‌iPhone‌ models in Europe or make the swap to USB-C worldwide. The proposed mandate in Brazil would take effect starting July 1, 2024, if approved.

Article Link: Brazil Latest Country to Consider Forcing Apple to Adopt USB-C for iPhones

 

[MajorFubar]

Go Brazil. Sometimes, just sometimes, we need the governments of the world to legally enforce common sense when stubborn mfrs like Apple refuse to do it voluntarily.

 

[bax2003]

Forcing Apple .... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

 

[gpat]

Too little too late, but still we can appreciate the effort.

 

[Ostagazuzulum]

Personally I’d like to see all these legislations eventually include retirement of USB 2.0/3.0 B, 2.0/3.0 Mini B, 2.0/3.0 Micro B, for all new devices if at all possible. And eventually USB A. Someone can explain to me why all these other variants would still be needed for new devices in the future.

 

[nick9191]

How do you come up with a new standard with this model? If the USB standard falls down over time and isn’t able to meet the needs of its users? Not defending Apple as exactly the same thing has happened to Lightning, but how would you define a new standard if various Governments define USB as the only port that can be used?

 

[boak]

If USB-C is not sufficient to implement some kind of new tech then what? All companies have to agree to another common standard first before that tech can be brought to market?

 

[maktaba]

After the EU adopted USB-C I thought maybe Apple might release an EU-only model with this port while keeping the Lightning port for the rest of the world. But now it looks like they might have to make a complete switch to USB-C after all.

 

[manwithashoe]

Sounds like everyone caught wind of an upcoming change and decided to say it was their idea..

 

[Leon Ze Professional]

C'mon Apple embrace the USB C!

Because government grips around the world 🌎 are slowly tightening. Don't be a recalcitrant!

 

[9c4347syympc]

Wait, didn’t a Brazilian court fine Apple for not providing the “e-Waste” this new legislation is meant to reduce?

 

[bgarnett]

Do people still plug in to charge these days? How 2018 of them. Just remove the damned port all together and MagSafe.

 

[foobarbaz]

If USB-C is not sufficient to implement some kind of new tech then what? All companies have to agree to another common standard first before that tech can be brought to market?

All companies have to agree and convince a lot of politicians that the new standard is sufficiently better to throw away all existing cables. So … never.

More likely, devices would come with 2 ports then. (like MacBooks with USB-C + MagSafe ports already do)

 

[Reason077]

Do it now, Apple!

USB-C on iPhones is already years overdue.

 

[Reason077]

Do people still plug in to charge these days? How 2018 of them. Just remove the damned port all together and MagSafe.

MagSafe charging is significantly slower, though. If you want to charge quickly you need to use a cable.

 

[Reason077]

If USB-C is not sufficient to implement some kind of new tech then what? All companies have to agree to another common standard first before that tech can be brought to market?

USB-C is a physical connector format and doesn’t dictate what signalling technologies, etc, run over it. That’s why you see, for example, Thunderbolt cables using the same plug as USB cables.

So there’s plenty of room for upgrades in the future while maintaining compatibility with the physical plug!

 

[ruka.snow]

It is sad that governments all over the world will have to force Apple to get with the times on charging with a standard port…that they love enough to shove on everything else.

 

[nhk]

Do people still plug in to charge these days? How 2018 of them. Just remove the damned port all together and MagSafe.

What a poor idea. Sometimes a phone requires a reset through a computer. Try doing that wirelessly. Furthermore it’s more efficient and environmentally friendly to charge through a physical connection.

 

[return2sendai]

Do people still plug in to charge these days? How 2018 of them. Just remove the damned port all together and MagSafe.

Erm…and your MagSafe magically acquires electrons how?

 

[iphonehype]

I wonder why they have not when they've done it for iPads.

 

[hagar]

How public opinion evolves. When the EU legislation was announced, this forum was full of angry comments about useless bureaucratic governments stifling innovation. And now most comments encourage Apple to switch to USB-C.

I for one am very happy I will be able to use one charger in the future. And I hope all devices in my home will follow this example, even if they’re not forced by legislation.

 

[boak]

USB-C is a physical connector format and doesn’t dictate what signalling technologies, etc, run over it. That’s why you see, for example, Thunderbolt cables using the same plug as USB cables.

So there’s plenty of room for upgrades in the future while maintaining compatibility with the physical plug!

I know that. What if a different pin in the connector is required?

 

[TheOldChevy]

We need a common standard on USB-C cable identification (supported protocol, bandwidth, power...). I really like the cable mechanics but we need this identification.

 

[boak]

How public opinion evolves. When the EU legislation was announced, this forum was full of angry comments about useless bureaucratic governments stifling innovation. And now most comments encourage Apple to switch to USB-C.

Those 2 are not mutually exclusive. I believe most people want Apple to switch but don't want this to be something regulated.

 

[boak]

We need a common standard on USB-C cable identification (supported protocol, bandwidth, power...). I really like the cable mechanics but we need this identification.

This. I can't tell whether a USB-C cable is USB 3 or Thunderbolt 4, nor capable of 100W or 20W charging.