'We have no choice': Apple responds to EU mandate on USB type-C charger

iPhone-maker Apple has finally broken its silence on the European Union's mandate on USB-C charging port requirement. Speaking at a Wall Street Journal event, the US-based company's senior executive said that they have no choice but to comply with the mandate.

• This decision means that iPhone 15 can be launched with USB-C-type charging ports.

The EU mandate: Earlier this month, the EU officially adopted a new law requiring all small electronic devices from mobile phones to wireless headphones and tablets to mandatorily have USB type-C charging port.

• While this is no big change for most android devices, it is a different matter with Apple. Most iPhone users, who forget to carry their chargers around at all times, will understand the pain of finding the 'iPhone charger'.

• iPhones come with lightning port chargers, a signature of Apple. While some of Apple's devices like the latest iPads have adopted the USB type-C charging ports, the company had been reluctant to bring the same change to iPhones. 
• Now, while it is confirmed that Apple will roll out iPhones with USB-C charging ports in the EU, it is unknown whether it will extend the change worldwide or to other parts of the world. 

The deadline: EU has given tech companies time till Autumn 2024 to bring in the changes. 

• As for Apple, the company has two choices - either to follow the rules or stop selling new iPhones from 2024. 

The argument: Apple has long argued that the EU law stifles innovation and in the short term or the transition period it will result in more e-waste being generated. 

• There were also rumours that Apple may adopt wireless charging altogether in response to the EU mandate. 

Run-ins with law: EU is not the only region where Apple is facing troubles. Apple was recently fined $19 million in Brazil for not providing chargers with iPhones. 

• Brazil called it "abusive" practice by Apple to exclude chargers, forcing customers to buy additional products.