IT’S A good time to start saving up for a new iPhone charger – as you may be forced to buy one sooner rather than later.
Because the EU chiefs want to force Apple and other smartphone manufacturers to share a charger, they are pressing ahead.
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The European Commission will on Thursday present a legal proposal to harmonise the charging points on mobiles and other devices.
The move would force Apple to switch to USB-C cables – and ditch the company’s own Lightning connector.
Apple would not be required to use this charger in EU countries but will likely make the switch available worldwide.
The new switch would make existing iPhone cables inoperable and force users to buy spare leads for any future upgrades.
This would require the replacement of any Lightning connector accessories or purchasing an adaptor.
Over a decade ago, European Union lawmakers and the executive have been calling for a single charger.
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They say it would be better for the environment and more convenient for users.
Reuters reports that the Commission would like charger sales to be separated from devices and proposes a harmonised charge port.
Apple stated that rules requiring connectors conform to one type would discourage innovation, create electronic waste, and frustrate consumers.
The USB-C connectors are used to charge rival Android-based devices.
A 2019 Commission study found that half of chargers used in mobile phones sold in 2018 had a USB microB connector. The remaining 29% had an USB-C connector, and 21% had Lightning connectors.
Apple has previously spoke out against the proposals, citing an ecosystem of “1billion Apple devices” that use a Lightning charger.
“Legislation would have a direct negative impact by disrupting the hundreds of millions of active devices and accessories used by our European customers and even more Apple customers worldwide, creating an unprecedented volume of electronic waste and greatly inconveniencing users,” According to the company,
Apple has complained that it was unable to comply with EU directives to require all gadget manufacturers to use Micro USB charging cables.
Although once popular, Micro USB chargers have quickly fallen out of favour – replaced by more advanced technology.
“Prior to 2009, the Commission considered mandating that all smartphones use only USB Micro-B connectors which would have restricted the advancement to Lightning and USB Type-C,” Apple.
“Instead, the Commission established a voluntary, industry standards-based approach that saw the market shift from 30 chargers down to three, soon to be two — Lightning and USB-C, showing this approach does work.
Apple also says that the industry is “already moving” to USB-C anyway – so setting a precedent of regulation isn’t necessary.
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