The iPhone 17 Air was being explored with a ‘portless’ configuration, suggesting that the only way for Apple’s upcoming sleek flagship to get charged was by using a MagSafe connection or by using a Qi-enabled wireless charger. The company ultimately canned this option as the EU regulations would likely get in the way by labeling it as ‘anti-consumer,’ especially after the economic and political union forced the company to transition its entire product lineup to feature USB-C. Fortunately, according to confirmation received from a new report, it is entirely possible for Apple to release a portless iPhone without facing the wrath of the EU.
The only time it will become problematic for Apple to sell a portless iPhone is if the company forces consumers to pay for additional accessories to initiate its use
Apple is slowly improving the charging speeds on its devices, and with those improvements, the company is reducing the time it takes to top up an iPhone that is juiced up wirelessly. With its iPhone 16 series, MagSafe wireless charging speeds can go up to 25W, while Qi2 wireless charging speeds top out at 15W. Sure, it will take significantly less time when these devices are plugged in, but the convenience factor will be removed then.
With these options available, it is not like Apple is forcing consumers to purchase any additional wireless accessories, as any Qi-enabled pad will do the job. Since these accessories are compatible with other smartphones that too, can be charged wirelessly, Apple is not pursuing business practices that would be considered anti-consumer, which is why it would likely be allowed to sell a portless iPhone.
As reported by 9to5Mac, the publication confirmed by European Commission press officer Federica Miccoli that selling a portless iPhone was permitted. Only if Apple starts selling a proprietary solution like it did with its Lightning-powered device will the company find itself in hot waters. Also, the EU continues to promote the ‘harmonisation’ of wireless charging to prevent market fragmentation, so the portless iPhone would have little difficulty selling in these regions.
The Commission will promote the harmonisation of wireless charging in order to avoid future fragmentation of the internal market and any negative effects on consumer and the environment. The Commission will monitor the evolution of all types of wireless charging technologies (not only inductive), particularly market developments, market penetration, market fragmentation, technological performance, interoperability, energy efficiency and charging performance.
As stated in recital 13 of the Common Charger Directive, “the Commission should take action towards promoting and harmonising such solutions to avoid future fragmentation of the internal market.”
The only question is whether consumers would be willing to pay a hefty sum for a portless iPhone that they now have to charge wirelessly. Whether we like it or not, Apple will probably announce such a device one day, but by then, many markets will have ubiquitously adopted wireless charging.
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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