The Indian government announced that stakeholders in the Indian electronics industry have agreed to a phased roll-out of USB-C type uniform charging ports for devices such as smartphones and laptops.
Adoption of USB-C connectors, which are used by many Android-based devices, is expected to hurt Apple Inc (AAPL.O), whose iPhones are currently charged using a Lightning cable.
In order to comply with new rules mandating a single charging port for most electronic devices, Apple must change the charger for its phones in the European Union beginning in autumn 2024.
“A broad consensus emerged among stakeholders on adoption of USB Type-C as a charging port for electronic devices,” the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said in a statement after a government task-force meeting with industry groups representing smartphone players.
According to the ministry, phones lacking more advanced features of a smartphone, such as the ability to download apps from the web, may use a different charging port.
According to the government, a group will be formed to investigate the feasibility of a uniform charging port for wearable devices such as earphones and smart watches.
The statement did not name any of the companies that attended the meeting or agreed to the phased roll-out proposal. According to the announcement, the government would conduct a study to assess the environmental impact of switching to a uniform charging port.
