Business
EU plans to legislate for common phone charger despite Apple grumbles
EU plans to legislate for common phone charger despite Apple grumbles
Published by maria gbaf
Posted on September 22, 2021
Global Banking and Finance Review
Company
Published by maria gbaf
Posted on September 22, 2021
By Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Commission will on Thursday present a legislative proposal for a common charger for mobile phones, tablets and headphones, a person familiar with the matter said – a move likely to affect iPhone maker Apple more than its rivals.
The European Union executive and EU lawmakers have been pushing for a common charger for over a decade, saying it would be better for the environment and more convenient for users.
The Commission wants the sale of chargers to be decoupled from devices, and also propose a harmonised charging port, the person said.
Apple, whose iPhones are charged from its Lightning cable, has said rules forcing connectors to conform to one type could deter innovation, create a mountain of electronic waste and irk consumers.
Rival Android-based devices are charged using USB-C connectors. Half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, according to a 2019 Commission study.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
By Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Commission will on Thursday present a legislative proposal for a common charger for mobile phones, tablets and headphones, a person familiar with the matter said – a move likely to affect iPhone maker Apple more than its rivals.
The European Union executive and EU lawmakers have been pushing for a common charger for over a decade, saying it would be better for the environment and more convenient for users.
The Commission wants the sale of chargers to be decoupled from devices, and also propose a harmonised charging port, the person said.
Apple, whose iPhones are charged from its Lightning cable, has said rules forcing connectors to conform to one type could deter innovation, create a mountain of electronic waste and irk consumers.
Rival Android-based devices are charged using USB-C connectors. Half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, according to a 2019 Commission study.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
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