EU Clears the Way for a Portless iPhone

The EU makes it clear: Apple could already bring an iPhone onto the market without connections. This would also comply with completely wireless models with EU legislation. Before that it was said that EU guidelines prevent such a device.

Green light for wireless iPhone

The EU Commission has confirmed that Apple is legally no obstacles to develop an iPhone without physical connections. The Common Charger Directive only stipulates that devices with a loading connection must have a USB-C port. To put it simply: If a device has a connection, it must be USB -C – completely wireless devices are excluded from this regulation. Previously, it became known that Apple had considered presenting a model for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air for the first time without physical connections.

However, the company, however, decided – partly due to concerns about possible regulatory restrictions by the EU. At least that’s how the media represented the matter. How 9to5mac reports, Federica Miccoli, spokeswoman for the EU Commission, has now created clarity: “Since such radio devices cannot be charged via wired charging, you do not have to integrate a harmonized (wired) charging solution.”

Wireless standards in focus

However, EU legislation also requires the harmonization of wireless charging standards. Apple has already reacted and handed over his Magsafe standard to the Wireless Power Consortium, where it is further developed as a Qi2 standard. This would allow a port-free iPhone with MAGSAFE charging function in the EU.

The iPhone 17 Air is said to be the thinnest iPhone that Apple has ever built. According to reports, it will be about two millimeters thinner than current models. Despite the slimmer design, the battery life should remain on the level of comparable iPhone thanks to a new type of battery.