The European Union may not be the only government agency that sets a common standard for device chargers. The Verge notes that U.S. Senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo asking her department to develop a “comprehensive strategy” leading to a common collection standard. Senators said the EU acted in the “public interest” by settling in a port, and the US should do the same to reduce the environmental impact of shippers while improving user comfort.
Politicians’ arguments largely reflected the EU’s position. A standard charger would theoretically reduce electronic waste by letting people reuse existing cables and adapters for new devices. It could also help consumers save money by buying extra chargers, not to mention adding “common sense and certainty” to electronics shopping. This will prevent companies from shutting you down on obsolete proprietary cables, according to the group.
Raimondo had not responded to the letter at the time of writing. Senators did not specify USB-C as the standard, although it is likely to be the favorite. The EU will require USB-C from 2024, and technology can adapt to everything from smartphones and headphones to high-end laptops. It also provides more consistent approaches to fast charging and accessory support.
Critics and some companies have long rejected charger standards. Above all, Apple claimed that a universal charger would harm innovation by limiting the potential for technical advances and allegedly deny the reduction of e-waste by forcing legions of users of the company to replace its Lightning cables. However, brands like Apple may have no choice but to change given the EU’s decision, and a US rule would only consolidate that decision.
As it stands, there are rumors that Apple will switch to USB-C for both its iPhone 2023 line and this year’s iPad base (all other iPads already use the format). A U.S. charging standard could prevent companies like Apple from returning to proprietary plugins later, but possible new regulation could do little more than enforce the status quo when it comes into force.
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