The European Union has decided to use the USB-C phone charging cable for all new smartphones. The provisional agreement was signed by EU officials on June 7.
The agreement will require a uniform charging cord in all 30 nations under EU. This means that Apple will have to make the change from their Lightning Port to USB-C by autumn 2024.
EU Wants USB-C Port Cable on All Smartphones
The EU stated that this decision will benefit consumers, plus it will make the products more sustainable and cut down on electronic waste.
The smartphones are just the first device on the bill, but in the future, all portable electronic devices will be included, like cameras, tablets, and handheld consoles, according to Mercury News.
Alex Agius Saliba, the lead negotiator of the European Parliament, said in a press briefing in Brussels that European customers voiced their frustration about having to purchase several chargers for their devices.
With the new bill, customers can use a single charger for all of their portable electronics, which is 'an important step to increase consumer convenience.'
The devices that are covered in the bill include smartphones, earbuds, headphones, headsets, and digital cameras. As for laptops, the manufacturers are given more time to comply.
The new rules only apply to devices that are sold in the European single market, which consists of 30 countries. But just like EU's strict privacy regulations, they could end up becoming a de facto standard for the rest of the world.
Apple Is Not Pleased With New EU Bill
While other smartphone manufacturers are ready to make the adjustments needed to follow the new rules, Apple is not happy, according to Tech Times.
The tech giant has long been fighting the adoption of a universal cable that is not theirs, believing that manufacturers should focus on the plug that goes into the wall instead of the part that is connected to the smartphone.
But the EU regulators said that now is the time for Apple to drop their own cable and even blamed the smartphone manufacturers for not coming up with a solution sooner.
Margrethe Vestager, the executive vice-president for the European Commission's Europe Fit for the Digital Age strategy, said in a statement reported by The Independent, that they gave the tech industry enough time to come up with their own solutions, but now is the time for legislative action for a common charger.
What Happens if Apple Does Not Comply?
According to Business Insider, if Apple refuses to comply and insists on using their Lighting Port, they will only be able to sell only wireless iPhone models in EU countries. Currently, there are only a couple of Apple gadgets that are compatible with USB-C cable.
But the iOS smartphone is not one of them. With the arrival of the EU's new rules, this is expected to change soon.
EU officials also claimed that the new rule could encourage consumers to use their old chargers, as it could help with environmental waste.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Sophie Webster
