India is reportedly considering exempting certain products from its proposed law that would force consumer electronics companies, like Apple, to use USB-C connectivity. Apple’s AirPods could be included on the exclusion list.
According to a report from Mint, a senior Indian official says the government is considering exempting featurephones, wearables, and hearables from the proposed law that would require USB-C on devices. The official says device makers and stakeholders have shared concerns that requiring a change in those products would result in costs increasing for consumers.
The definition of hearables could include Apple’s line of AirPods. However, the EU has already passed a law that requires devices sold in the region to have a USB-C port by 2024, including AirPods. This means that Apple would be required to switch its AirPods “bearable” to USB-C, even if the Indian requirement exempts them.
While Apple has confirmed that it would adhere to the new EU law. However, it hadn’t announced a specific date to follow the law. Since the law takes force in December 2024, Apple could delay adapting the USB-C port until the expected release of the iPhone 16 in September 2024. However, we have heard reports that will indeed make the switch to the new port with the iPhone 15, which is expected to debut in September 2023.