Apple acknowledges the USB-C mandate by the EU, but still presents some counterarguments

Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak admits the brand must comply with the EU’s USB-C mandate. Mr. Joswiak confirms the same in a conversation with Joanna Stern of The Wall Street Journal. Apple’s software VP, Craig Federighi was also part of the WSJ’s Tech Live conference panel. Ms. Stern has got answers to questions we all have including what Apple feels about the EU’s decision, and by when we can expect an iPhone with USB-C.

The agenda of the conversation was ‘product, privacy, and power at the tech giants’. Here is all we have learned from WSJTechLive about Apple and USB-C situation:

Apple confirms an iPhone with USB-C is incoming

When asked if Apple would be adopting USB-C for iPhones, Greg Joswiak said, “obviously we’ll have to comply, we have no choice”. He added, “the Europeans are the ones dictating timing for European customers.” 

So, he clearly is miffed about the EU verdict according to which  “all mobile phones and tablets” will have to adopt USB-C by “autumn 2024.” 

Now, Apple hasn’t specifically said or given us a timeline of when to expect an iPhone with USB-C, but with the EU mandate and all, it’s fair to expect the same by the 2024 iPhone event.

Meanwhile, Greg pointed out counterarguments to the USB-C adoption which include reasons like e-wastage and the inconvenience of buying and getting used to a new standard. He also threw light on how Apple is a brand that values its engineers over legislative coercion. 

Apple’s Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) join @JoannaStern at #WSJTechLive to discuss products, privacy and power at the tech giant https://t.co/fNo2JGwMB4 https://t.co/aGrTlZrUo4

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 26, 2022

Last but not least, whence asked about portless iPhones, the company tried to sidestep the question. So, it seems we should expect iPhones with USB-C only in the EU and possibly in other markets. Let's see.

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