India to make USB-C compulsory for smartphones by 2025, laptops by 2026: report
Highlights
- Android phone and Windows laptop manufacturers will have to follow this rule.
- Basic phones and other device makers can voluntarily adopt USB-C although there is no mandate for them.
- Brands like Xiaomi and OPPO have reacted to the USB-C mandate and emphasised the uniform standard's benefits.
The Indian government is reportedly on track to enforce the USB-C port for smartphones by 2025 and laptops by 2026. The rules cover not just iPhones and other Apple products, but the broader market including Android and Windows devices. Here's what we know about our govt's movements in this route.
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India's USB-C port advisory in 2025
According to Livemint, the Union IT ministry will issue an advisory to all phone and laptop manufacturers in India to include a USB-C port on smartphones and tablets by June 2025 and laptops by the end of 2026. The mandate for smartphones was previously reported to start in March 2025.
So, that could mean replacing micro-USB ports on phones and tablets and finding a place for a USB-C port if not replacing a USB-A port on laptops (Windows, Macs, Linus, DOS).
Note that the USB-C advisory won't be for basic phones, wearables (like smartwatches and fitness bands), hearables (earbuds cases) or wireless audio speakers. However, the makers of these products can voluntarily include a USB Type-C port.
The report claims the government has had meetings with industry stakeholders like device makers to decide this.
As it's evident, India's mandate follows the EU's (European Union) law that demands companies to adopt USB-C by the end of 2024. Owing to the EU's pressure, Apple has already incorporated USB-C on the iPhone 15 series.
India's 6-month buffer period from the EU's deadline is to "allow all players to ensure compliance". Those who fail to comply could be penalised as per the Consumer Protection Act.
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Meanwhile, here's how the key players reacted to the mandate:
Industry reaction to Type-C mandate: USB-C benefits
- Xiaomi India president Muralikrishnan B welcomes the move and highlights USB-C benefits like reducing e-waste, the convenience of carrying a single charger to power multiple devices, and a more streamlined service and repair process for companies.
- OPPO India's director of product communications Savio D'Souza also lauds this initiative and underlines how a uniform charger can reduce costs for consumers and enable a more efficient recycling process for the companies.
- This also reduces "the need to produce excessive chargers and cables," as per Dr. Suneel Pandey, director of circular economy and waste management at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).