Apple has approached the Indian government seeking an exemption for its existing iPhones from the requirement of a universal charging port (USB-C) for electronic devices, amid discussions around mandating a common charger for most devices, akin to what's been proposed by the European Union (EU).
In a meeting with IT Ministry officials, Apple expressed concerns that such a regulation, similar to the EU's proposal, might hinder its domestic manufacturing plans. The tech giant emphasized that enforcing this rule on older phone models could potentially impact its ability to meet Product-Linked Incentive (PLI) targets.
Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), highlighted the industry's alignment with the government's objective of implementing a uniform charging port regulation to reduce e-waste and enhance consumer convenience.
While the latest iPhone 15 series features a USB-C port, Apple stated that altering older product designs might not be feasible. Industry experts noted that Apple's market performance in India heavily relies on older iPhone models, creating potential supply chain challenges if a swift transition to USB-C, even for older iPhones, is mandated.
Discussions within the Department of Consumer Affairs earlier explored the potential of a common charger for various electronic devices. The industry showcased the prevalence of USB-C across newer mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, supporting a smoother transition.
The government is considering a universal charger model for all electronic devices and intends to gather insights through a panel on this proposal.
Amidst these discussions, Apple witnessed substantial growth in iPhone shipments in India during the first half of 2023, primarily driven by the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 series. Apple's ecosystem contributed significantly to India's smartphone industry growth, surpassing $5 billion in exports from India in FY23 alone.
(With Agency Inputs)
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