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Update:
- The European Union Parliament approved a rule requiring most electronic devices to have a USB-C standard charging port.
- Apple must make the change from its current lightning cable to a USB-C standard by Fall 2024.
- USB-C chargers are currently the standard for Android-based devices.
- The new rule also applies to laptops, with manufacturers having until 2026 to make sure their chargers are the USB-C standard.
- Shares for European semiconductor manufacturers increased in the wake of the decision, including for Apple suppliers Infineon and STMicro.
- Lawmakers argued that requiring a USB-C standard will help eliminate waste and prevent consumers from making unnecessary charger purchases.
Apple USB-C charging iPhone legislation overview:
- Who: European lawmakers have given provisional approval to legislation that would require smartphone manufacturers and laptop makers, including Apple, to equip wired charging devices with USB-C charging ports.
- Why: Lawmakers claim the change would help eliminate unnecessary charger purchases in the EU and eliminate waste.
- Where: The legislation would currently affect consumers in the EU but may set a precedent worldwide.
(June 09, 2022)
European lawmakers have given provisional approval to legislation requiring smartphone manufacturers to equip all devices sold in the European Union, including Apple’s iPhone, with USB-C charging ports by the fall of 2024.
The requirement would apply to smartphones, e-readers, portable speakers, tablets, headphones and handheld game consoles, Forbes reports.
The agreement brings an end to a long debate over regulating charging ports, something Apple has reportedly argued would not be in the best interest of consumers and hurt innovation.
The new legislation will only apply to devices with wired charging and will not affect devices that are only able to be charged wirelessly, according to the European Parliament.
“Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe!” said the Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba in a statement. “European consumers were long frustrated with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics.”
Laptop makers also required to include USB-C charging ports
In addition to smartphone manufacturers, laptop makers will also be required to comply with the USB-C charging port regulations; however, they will have an additional 40 months after the new rules are finalized to become compliant, Forbes reports.
The legislation has been making the rounds within the EU for a number of years and still must secure formal approval from the European Parliament and European Council.
The European Council has said that €250 million is wasted annually on avoidable charger purchases in the EU, which contributes to 11,000 tonnes of waste produced each year.
It is expected that the legislation will be formally approved later this year, Forbes reports.
In related charger news, a consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Apple in 2014, alleging the company engaged in anticompetitive practices by making it difficult for them to purchase a charging adapter from a third party.
Do you own an electronic device that doesn’t have a USB-C charging port? Let us know in the comments!
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