Apple will have to change the connector of iPhones sold in Europe in 2024 after EU politicians agree on a single mobile charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras.
Key points:
- Politicians say consumers in Europe have been calling for this change for more than a decade
- Apple says the move will hurt innovation and create a mountain of e-waste
- The deal will also affect Samsung, Huawei and other device manufacturers
The European Commission said the measure would make life easier for consumers and save them money.
The world’s first political intervention comes after technology companies failed to find 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 Type C USB connector and 21% a Lightning connector, according to a 2019 Commission study.
Thierry Breton says the deal will save about 250 million euros for consumers. (AP: Thierry Monasse)
“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 ($ 372 million) for consumers.
“It will also allow new technologies to emerge and mature, such as wireless charging, without letting innovation become a source of market fragmentation and inconvenience for 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 also include laptops, e-readers, headphones, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices,” said politician 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.
Reuters