The European Union is giving Apple six options for a USB-C universal phone charger
Oct 06, 2022| The European Union is giving Apple six options for a USB-C universal phone charger
As the image above shows, option 0 actually describes the current situation, where Apple can continue to use its Lightning connector, or whatever connector it chooses, as long as an adapter is available.
Option 1 will see a significant change, as it will effectively force USB-C on the iPhone. Apple already uses USB-C in some charging plugs and the iPad Pro, so it had been expected to move it to the iPhone as well. However, the company continues to stick with Lightning, seemingly because the change will affect many users. Apple has argued to the commission that the proposed charger changes would affect all the countless dock and other third-party devices connected via Lightning.
Option 2 is a compromise that requires an adapter plus a USB-C AC power plug, which is possible, but USB-C chargers are more expensive than Lightning chargers. Option 3 would also mean that Apple would have to provide a USB-C AC power plug, but the iPhone itself would likely continue to use the Lightning port. Option 4 is for Apple to make both USB-C AC power plugs and USB-C iphones.
Option 5 is the most costly for Apple, as it would mean Apple would need to introduce a USB-C iPhone, as well as a fast charging AC power plug compatible with USB-PD that would provide at least 15W of power to connected devices.
The European Commission does believe that wireless charging is a good solution, but it is not so optimistic about its potential. "Wireless charging is a nascent technology," the agency said in its report. Right now, it's about 60 percent energy efficient, and wireline charging technology is close to 100 percent energy efficient."
