India expected to exclude Apple Watch and AirPods from proposed USB-C charger rules
Similar to the forthcoming EU charging laws that require Apple and all other smartphone manufacturers to adopt USB Type-C on all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold within the 27 countries of the European Union, India is also looking to introduce similar rules requiring the use of USB Type-C for charging, although the country may exclude AirPods and Apple Watches forthcoming legislations.
According to a report from Mint, India is allegedly considering exempting featurephones, wearables, and personal audio products from the proposed new law, allowing Apple to continue to sell the Apple Watch and AirPods in the country without any changes to the way the products are charged.
Full details on the proposed new USB-C charger rules are still unknown however, citing a senior Indian official, Mint claim that device makers and stakeholders have shared concerns over the mandate, which could force consumers to purchase new charging accessories for future product purchases.
Speaking in an interview earlier last year, Apple’s vice president of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak, said the company had “no choice” but to comply with the new EU charging rules, confirming Apple will move from the Lightning connector to USB-C with future products, although it wasn’t said when the transition would begin.