Users have long complained about needing to use separate chargers for their phones. The former is powered by a Lightning wire, while Android devices are fueled via USB-C port.
In a world-first, EU governments and parliament agreed on Tuesday to a single mobile charging port for mobile phones, tablets, and cameras, requiring Apple to modify the connector on iPhones sold in Europe by 2024.
iPhone and Android users have long complained about needing to use separate chargers for their phones. The former is powered by a Lightning wire, while Android devices are fueled via USB-C ports.
According to a 2019 survey by the European Commission, half of the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% had a Lightning connector.
Brussels has been pushed for a single phone charging station for more than a decade, citing concerns from iPhone and Android owners. In a blow to Apple, European Union member states and parliamentarians have agreed to enforce a single mobile charging port for phones, tablets, and cameras.
EU Pushes for Standardized Device Cables to Reduce Electronic Waste
The EU believes that having a standard cable for all devices will help to reduce thousands of tons of electronic waste. After corporations didn’t achieve a single solution, the European Commission intervened, claiming that it would make life easier for customers and save them money.
The corporation had previously warned that the measure would stifle innovation and result in a pile of technological garbage but did not immediately react to a request. Despite this, its stock was up 0.9 percent in the New York morning session.
According to analysts, the switch might be a sales driver for Apple in 2024, pushing more Europeans to buy the latest products rather than those without USB-C. According to CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino, it may entice buyers to upgrade to a new phone sooner.
He said, “Existing consumers can still use the Lightning cable, but maybe there would be less purchases of older products on third-party platforms,”. Bloomberg reported last month that Apple is working on an iPhone with a USB-C charging port that could be released next year. When Apple announces new iPhones, older models are frequently discounted, resulting in millions of buyers opting for the less expensive models. Consumers save a lot of money.
Thierry Breton, the EU’s industry commissioner chief, said in a statement “The deal we struck this morning will bring around 250 million euros ($267m) of savings to consumers,”. he added. “It will also allow new technologies such as wireless charging to emerge and to mature without letting innovation become a source of market fragmentation and consumer inconvenience,”.
Apple, which already utilizes USB-C ports on some of its iPads and laptop computers, has said that any legislation requiring all mobile phones in the EU to use the same charger is unnecessary. The iPhone juggernaut, based in California, claims that such a move will stifle innovation and increase pollution.
Anna Cavazzini, a Green Party member from Germany in the European Parliament, tweeted. “After a decade, finally one standard (USB-C) will charge them all,” .
Within 40 months of the law’s implementation, laptops will be required to confirm. Because the agreement covers e-readers, earbuds, and other technologies, Samsung, Huawei, and other gadget manufacturers will be impacted.
Analysts said the agreement will have an impact on Samsung (005930.KS), Huawei (HWT.UL), and other gadget makers because it covers e-readers, earbuds, and other technology.
The debate in the European Parliament was steered by lawmaker Alex Agius Saliba. According to the Alex Agius Saliba e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices, laptops, are also included in this whole process.
