A USB-C blow to Apple also came from Brazil. The country’s telecom regulator, Anatel, has launched a public debate over its proposal to make USB-C chargers mandatory for all smartphones sold in the country.
These talks are the latest example where legislators and regulators prefer USB-C as a common charging standard for phones. The EU passed legislation on the matter earlier this month, making USB-C mandatory for a range of electronic devices, including smartphones, by the end of 2024. In the US, some politicians are pushing for similar laws.
“Aware of the above-mentioned decisions in international markets, Anatel’s technical division considered the issue and submitted a proposal with a similar approach for implementation in the Brazilian market,” Anatel said in a blog post.
Considering that USB-C has become the default charging standard for new Android phones, the biggest impact of this decision will be felt by Apple, which uses the proprietary Lightning standard for iPhone phones. Still, the company has long been rumored to be testing iPhones with USB-C connections and has already adopted this standard on most of its tablets and laptops.
In documents supporting public engagement, Anatel said the advantages of making USB-C mandatory were primarily to reduce e-waste and increase convenience for customers, while disadvantages included higher costs to enforce regulation and the possibility that the law could deter companies from developing new, better standards. .
When asked about similar disadvantages to EU politicians, they said the law could be updated as new technologies become available. “Don’t think we’ve passed an immutable law for the next 10 years,” Thierry Breton, commissioner for the EU internal market, told reporters. We will adapt.”
Anatel said the public consultation process will last until August 26.
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