Apple wants India to exempt older iPhone models from single-charger rules
appleinsider.com
Apple has urged the Indian IT ministry to make changes to its single charger rules, as adding USB-C to older iPhone models will make it hard for Apple to meet production targets for India's manufacturing and export laws.

Apple isn’t happy about India’s demand to upgrade older iPhones with USB-C::Apple has urged the Indian IT ministry to make changes to its single charger rules, as adding USB-C to older iPhone models will make it hard for Apple to meet production targets for India’s manufacturing and export laws.

  • Thorny_Insight@lemm.eeEnglish
    7421·
    1 year ago

    IMO it’s a bit unreasonable to demand them go changing the design of older models aswell. I’m happy that they were forced to switch to USB-C on future models, but I’m with Apple on this one.

    • ram@bookwormstory.socialEnglish
      69·
      1 year ago

      Well, that’s not exactly the demand. The demand is simply that if they wish to sell a product in the country, it meets their regulatory specifications by June 2025. Apple doesn’t have to upgrade their older models, they could also simply stop selling them.

      But if they wish to sell a product, it must meet the manufacturing requirements of the region in which they wish to sell. Hardly a big deal if you ask me.

      • Blackmist@feddit.ukEnglish
        23·
        1 year ago

        How many do they really sell in India though? It doesn’t matter how old and crappy your iPhone is, there’s a cheaper Android phone. Android is like 95% of phones out there.

        • emergencyfood@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          9·
          1 year ago

          Apple’s marketshare in India is (1) tiny and (2) largely driven by older models. I know 2 people who have iPhones. I know 4 people who have Jiophones (Firefox OS).

          • TempermentalAnomaly@lemmy.worldEnglish
            2·
            1 year ago

            I think you’re absolutely correct here. I’ll point out that they are a luxury product and among the wealthy, highly popular. And while they don’t capture a large portion of the units sold, they capture a large portion of revenues. On top of that, Apple’s market share has grown by 1/3 year over year while cell phone sales were flat.

            None of this changes anything and think Apple should comply, but I see why they might. I guess I don’t see a situation where they wouldn’t complain. These companies are so emotional.

    • ByteJunk@lemmy.worldEnglish
      15·
      1 year ago

      Why is it unreasonable?

      This isnt demanding apple to retrofit usb-c to old phones. This is telling them to stop producing new phones with lightning, and instead use USB-C.

      This is highly relevant for India as it’s a price conscious market, and Apple sells a lot more older models than elsewhere, specifically Europe who passed a similar law but on new models only.

      And if a student figured out how to add a fully functional usb-c port to an iPhone X, I’m sure apple can figure it out for an iPhone 14.

    • interceder270@lemmy.worldEnglish
      111·
      1 year ago

      I don’t think its unreasonable. Apple can afford it and it’s better for customers.

      Win-win unless you’re an Apple investor (which you’re not.)

      • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        31·
        1 year ago

        Apple just wouldn’t do it, it makes no sense. They are just pissed because cheaper, older models sell in India and that would leave only the newer models.

      • Chakravanti@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        51·
        1 year ago

        Exactly. They can do whatever they want. Force them to either stop doing business or fix their shit now. And don’t get started insulting the mushrooms or cows because even they know better than to feed on them.