According to a report from Mark Gurman, Apple is about to adopt a new charging method for its products. As the European Union looks to mandate USB-C charging on new smartphones, tablets, and headphones released in the region in late 2024, it's believed that the shift away from Lightning is happening. The European Parliament approved the legislation last week.
According to Gurman, Apple could bring the next-gen AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods by 2024, as well as the next-gen Mac accessories, including the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad. The release of a new iMac and Mac Pro next year will coincide with accessory updates, so it's a safe bet that those accessories will move to the next version of the device. Gurman thinks Apple will swap over its AirPods before the EU legislation takes effect.
According to a report from Gurman earlier this year, we shouldn't expect to see the charging port on Apple's devices until at least 2023. In the most recent Power On newsletter, Gurman reiterates his belief that Apple will add a charging port to the entry-level iPad by the end of the year, as well as to the next-gen iPhones.
Apple would not have to comply with the EU law until it releases the iPhone 17 in the fall of 2025, as there is a two year grace period that allows companies enough time to make the transition. Gurman believes that Apple will beat the due date with its most visible products.
Gurman doesn't think Apple's presence on its devices will last long. Gurman believes that Apple will bring inductive charging to the iPad at some point in the next few years, as it doesn't apply to devices that don't support wiredcharging.
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