According to a report by Company standard Mobile devices in India must use USB-C as the standard charging port for electronic products by March 2025. This follows similar legislation passed by the European Union, which requires new smartphones and other portable devices sold within the EU use USB-C by 28 December 2024 to fight e-waste.
The Indian government is also exploring imposing a standard charger for wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. “The government is proposing two common types of charging ports for mobile phones and portable electronic devices”said Rohit Kumar Signh, Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. No details on what format might be used were given.
Portable chargers also coming to India
India overtook the US to become the world’s second largest smartphone market in 2019, and it is estimated that over 95% of the country currently uses Android mobile devices. While most Android smartphones already use USB-C, iPhones still use the Apple Lightning port. Apple it also recently experienced significant sales growth in the region it is now in iPhone 14 produces. Apple previously opposed EU attempts to get the company to switch to USB-C, but has now publicly confirmed it will abide by the new rules.
December 28th is the deadline. From then on, all new phones and tablets appearing on the European market must have a USB-C connection. This means that Apple must finally adapt as well.
