Apple is set to move to USB C charging a move that could cut the cost of Apple cables which is good news for Australian Apple fans.

The US iPhone maker was told overnight that they have to change the charger for its iPhones and MAC PCs in the European Union from autumn 2024 to comply with new rules introducing a single charging port for most electronic devices.

In the past Apple has forced a massive licence fee on lightening cable manufacturers such as Belkin, ythis has almost doubled the cost of a cable Vs an Android USB C cable.

This could see all iPhones sold in Australia powered via a USB C cable Vs a lightening connector.

The only downside is that Apple could push for Apple users to buy new USB C charged products.

The reform passed by an overwhelming majority in the European Parliament the first of its kind anywhere in the world, potentially strengthens the EU’s role as a global standard-setter on telephone technology.

The vote confirmed an earlier agreement among EU institutions.

The new rules will make USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the standard across the 27-nation bloc, forcing Apple to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices.

It will also apply to laptops from 2026, giving manufacturers longer to adapt, although many already use USB-C.

Apple is expected to be the most affected of the big providers of electronic devices to European customers claims The Verge.

Analysts say the impact could be positive for Apple if it encourages shoppers to buy the company’s new gadgets instead of ones without USB-C.

The deal also covers e-readers, ear buds and other technologies, meaning it may also have an impact on Samsung, Huawei and other device makers, analysts said.

Under the reform, mobile phones and other devices sold after autumn 2024 will have to be compatible with the single charger, said Alex Agius Saliba, the EU lawmaker who steered the reform through the EU assembly. Old chargers will not be outlawed, however, so that customers can continue to use older models.

The large size of the EU market means the new rules may lead to changes in other countries.

Apple has in the past warned that the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of electronics waste.

The change had been discussed for years and was prompted by complaints from iPhone and Android users about having to switch to different chargers for their devices.

The European Commission has estimated that a single charger would save about 250 million euros ($247.3 million) for consumers.

Half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, which is used by Apple, a 2019 Commission study showed.