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Saudi Arabia has joined the European Union in pushing device companies to adopt the new USB-C standard to their creations. This will include Apple, which is expected to inject the 24-pin USB connector system into its upcoming iPhone 15 line in September.
This will give Apple more reasons to embrace the USB connector standard across its products. To recall, the EU is not the only territory promoting the policy. India also approved a similar standard in 2022, which will be observed by 2025. In April this year, it was reported that California’s legislative committee approved a bill to make USB-C charging a requirement in the state by 2026. Brazil, the United States, and other nations are also eyeing the policy. Now, Saudi Arabia is joining the party, making the USB system the sole choice for big tech companies like Apple.
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission shared the news, saying it will start on January 1, 2025. Nonetheless, it is important to note that the country will observe the new law in two stages. According to the report by Khaleej Times, the first stage in 2025 will only cover smartphones and small devices, including headphones, keyboards, speakers, and routers. On April 1, 2026, however, the second stage of the standard will be adopted for larger devices, such as laptops and portable computers. The ministry believes that it should improve the user experience and reduce the expenditures users have to deal with due to the variety of charging systems companies are using.
iPhones and iPads are currently the smartphone and tablet choices in Saudi Arabia, according to the latest data from StatCounter. With this, the Cupertino company has no other choice but to accept the new standard for some of its device offerings, which still rely on the old Lightning proprietary connector. That includes its iPhones and AirPods. Fortunately, it seems Apple is fully aware of its situation, leading it to the decision to welcome the change with an open heart. This will start with its iPhone 15 line, which reports and leaks show to have a USB-C charging system.
