India`s new rule requires all electronic devices to use USB-C ports, Apple may face the dilemma of changing ports for older iPhones

The Indian government recently issued a new regulation, requiring all electronic devices sold in India, regardless of when they were produced, to use USB Type-C ports for charging, and this regulation will take effect in June 2025. This regulation is similar to the common charger rule that the EU had previously formulated, but more stringent, because it applies not only to newly produced devices, but also to old ones. This may be a huge challenge for Apple, because many of its old iPhones still use its proprietary Lightning port, rather than the USB Type C port.

According to Reuters (via AppleInsider), Apple has had a closed-door meeting with India`s IT department at the end of last month, during which Apple asked the Indian government to make some exemptions to the new rule. Apple said that if it was required to change the USB C port for old iPhones, it would not be able to meet the targets of India`s Production-Linked Incentive scheme (PLI). PLI is a pet project of Indian Prime Minister Modi, which provides financial incentives for manufacturers who increase production and investment in India.