EU agrees to directive forcing Apple to change iPhone charging port | Science & Technology News
The European Union has reached an interim agreement that will force Apple to change the charging port used by its smaller electronic devices.
Last year, the European Commission published an 18-page directive requiring electronic devices to use the same type of USB-C charging port.
According to the EU, the move will reduce clutter and waste of electronics as consumers will no longer need a different charging cable every time they buy a new device.
Apple has not yet commented on the decision, and a spokesperson did not tell Sky News whether consumers in the UK and beyond would be affected.
However, their iPhone and AirPods devices – along with a few others – currently use Apple’s own dedicated “Lightning” port to connect and charge, and under the new rules will have to be redesigned. in autumn 2024 otherwise it will not be legal to sell in the EU.
Analysts have suggested that Apple could port all of its devices to USB-C, rather than just selling different versions in the EU.
An earlier attempt to introduce a universal charging port in the block was launched in 2018, but was unsuccessful.
The company warns that forcing them to use universal chargers will ‘strain innovation’ as well as create “an unprecedented volume of e-waste” and inconvenience millions of people.
Second-hand chargers are estimated to generate around 51,000 tonnes of e-waste a year, and the EU believes a “one size fits all” approach will make life easier for customers and help the environment. .
“Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headsets and headphones, handheld video game consoles, and portable speakers that can be recharged via Wired cables will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturer,” the European Parliament statement said.
Some analysts have suggested that Apple will move all of its devices to USB-C
What is history?
In 2009, a voluntary commitment was signed by Apple, Nokia and Samsung to produce chargers compatible with the micro-USB standard.
While many people continued to use micro-USB, Apple continued with its own Lightning port in 2012 and sold a micro-USB adapter instead.
Some phone makers have now evolved to USB-C, which charges faster than micro-USB.
However, Apple has only switched to USB-C on iPad Pro and MacBook laptops, meaning the changes may disproportionately affect it.
“We do not believe there is a regulatory case as the industry has transitioned to using USB Type-C through a connector or cable assembly,” Apple previously stated.
“This includes Apple’s USB-C power adapter that is compatible with all iPhone and iPad devices.
“This approach is more affordable and convenient for consumers, enables charging a wide range of portable electronic products, encourages people to reuse their chargers, and enables innovation.”
