A struggle that has been waged for almost ten years at the highest European levels will soon come to an end. The European Commission is preparing to draft a bill to establish a common charger for all smartphones and other electronic devices in the EU.
Born more than ten years ago in the mind of the Bulgarian political couple Solomon and Gergana Passy and taken up by the former German European Commissioner for Industries and Entrepreneurship Günter Verheugen, the idea of creating a common charger for all mobile phones and other electronic devices are finally coming to an end.
Last year, an overwhelming majority of legislators in the European Parliament voted in favor of the entry into force of such legislation. They cited among the main strengths of the initiative its environmental benefit and ease of use for consumers.
According to Euractiv, the European Commission, the executive body of the EU, is drafting legislation to this effect. Details are not yet known, but they should be ready by September.
Annoying apple
In today’s European market there are three main types of chargers. According to a study commissioned by the Commission in 2019, 79% of mobile phones sold in 2018 in the EU had a USB micro-B or USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector.
Since Apple uses Lightning for most of its products, it is especially the Apple brand that will be affected by the new European legislation. Note that the Lightning cable can be connected to a charger with a USB-C port.
Apple has long opposed the introduction of a common charger in Europe. According to her, this will push consumers to switch to new chargers, creating a “mountain of e-waste.” He also believes that such an initiative “will hurt innovation.”
Apple also said that the industry is naturally moving towards a USB-C solution, so any direct regulation would be unnecessary.
–
