Apple will have to change the connector of iPhones sold in Europe in 2024 after EU countries and lawmakers agreed on Tuesday a single mobile charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras in a new world.
The political intervention, which the European Commission said would make life easier for consumers and save them money, came after companies failed to reach a common solution.
Brussels has been pushing for a single mobile charging port for more than a decade, fueled by complaints from iPhone and Android users about having to switch to different chargers for their devices.
IPhones are charged with a Lightning cable, while Android-based devices use USB-C connectors.
Half of the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a micro-B USB connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, according to a 2019 Commission study.
“In the autumn of 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all EU mobile phones, tablets and cameras,” the European Parliament said in a statement.
EU industry chief Thierry Breton said the deal would save around € 250 million ($ 267 million) for consumers.
“It will also allow new technologies to emerge and mature, such as wireless charging, without innovation becoming a source of market fragmentation and inconvenience to consumers,” he said.
Apple, which has warned that the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of e-waste, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“We are proud to include laptops, e-readers, headphones, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices,” said lawmaker Alex Agius Saliba, who led the debate in parliament.
Laptops must comply with the legislation within 40 months of its entry into force. The EU executive will have the power in the future to harmonize wireless charging systems.
The fact that the deal also covers e-readers, headphones, and other technologies will affect Samsung, Huawei, and other device manufacturers.
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