India May Exempt Certain Devices From Law That Would Force USB-C Port

India is considering exempting certain products from a proposed law that would force a selection of consumer electronic devices to adopt a USB-C port. Among the devices being possibly exempted, AirPods could be included.

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According to a report from Mint, citing a senior Indian official, the government is considering exempting featurephones, wearables, and hearables from a proposed law that would require USB-C on devices. The official cites device makers and stakeholders as having shared concerns that mandating those products to adopt the universal port would result in costs increasing for consumers.

While the specific definition of the exempted devices has yet to be decided, the definition of hearables could include Apple's line of AirPods. The EU has already passed a law that requires devices sold in the region to have a USB-C port by 2024, including AirPods. Under the EU's regulation, Apple would be required to switch the AirPods to USB-C, even if the Indian requirement says differently.

Apple's vice president of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak, previously confirmed that Apple would have to switch the iPhone to USB-C. While reports suggest the ‌iPhone‌ 15 later this fall may make the switch away from Lightning, according to the EU's deadline for the USB-C law, Apple could wait until the iPhone 17 in 2025 before moving to the faster and more universal port.

Tags: India, USB-C

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Top Rated Comments

Eorlas Avatar
36 months ago
there's 0% reason for these exclusions to exist, unless a politician is trying to pander to tech companies that have not fully made this swap yet.

but what's the point, if the EU mandates it, apple will just fully make the switch. they're not going to design two sets of iphones and airpods that have different ports.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Gudi Avatar
36 months ago

Just make the switch to USB-C across the board. It's time to move on Apple from the Lightning Port. It's outdated, 10 years old. Time for a change!
Next year USB-C is going to be 10 years old. Time to move on!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
36 months ago
Just make the switch to USB-C across the board. It's time to move on Apple from the Lightning Port. It's outdated, 10 years old. Time for a change!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vicviper789 Avatar
36 months ago
I wish my AirPods could use the 30 pin connector /s
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
enterthemerdaverse Avatar
36 months ago
Micro USB should be banned globally. The worst version of USB.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nostaws Avatar
36 months ago
I’d really like it to be USB C.

That being said, I don’t think government should be telling private companies what to do/run their businesses (in most cases).
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)