Apple, the American tech giant has finally bowed to pressure from the European Union and has switched to USB-C charging.

At the unveiling event of the much anticipated iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 pro lineup on Tuesday in California, the company showed that it made the move after the EU passed a law in 2022 requiring all smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices sold in the bloc to have a common charging port by 2024.

Apple had previously resisted the EU’s efforts to standardize charging ports, arguing that it would stifle innovation. However, the company faced a growing backlash from consumers and environmental groups who were frustrated with the proliferation of different charging standards.

It was gathered that after the rule was passed in 2022, Apple’s senior VP of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak, told The Wall Street Journal that Apple would replace Lightning with the USB-C ports. “The company has no choice but to comply with EU regulations”, he said.

The switch to USB-C is expected to save consumers money and reduce electronic waste. According to a study by the European Commission, the EU’s common charger rule could save consumers up to €250 million ($273 million) per year and prevent up to 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste.

Apple now affirms that all its newly released products including the iPhone’s standard wired earphones and the charging case for AirPods, Pro earbuds will now have the USB-C port.