The legislation aims to reduce e-waste and eliminate “cable clutter”, said Margrethe Vestager, vice-president of the European Commission. According to the law, according to a statement, “mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, headphones, digital cameras, headphones and earphones, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers that are recharged via cable must be equipped with a USB -C-port, regardless of their production. “
The forthcoming rules will apply to new small and medium-sized electronics sold in the EU.
Chargers that support fast charging will also need to accept the same charging speeds. The measure does not affect wireless charging technologies and consumers will need to be able to buy a device without a charger on if they choose.
The new rule will lead to major changes for Apple users (AAPL). Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But during the legislative process, Apple told EU officials that the proposed rule would make up to one billion devices and accessories that use the company’s own Lightning connector obsolete, according to a European Parliament report.
A 2021 study cited in the same report found that iPhones with Lightning connectors accounted for 18% of new mobile phone sales in 2019, with 44% using USB-C and 38% using older USB Micro-B connector.
The sign has been on the wall for the end of Apple’s Lightning connector for some time. Apple already uses the USB-C standard in some Macs and iPads and is reportedly testing iPhone models that replace the Lightning port. But Tuesday’s announcement could accelerate Apple’s move to USB-C and potentially lead the company to abandon Lightning worldwide forever.
Efforts to introduce a single charging standard in Europe date back more than a decade. Officials at one point provided industrial support for the USB Micro-B standard, but the voluntary agreement between the major manufacturers in this regard expired in 2014 and was not replaced. The forthcoming law, which requires USB-C, in contrast, is among the first of its kind.
The announcement followed Tuesday’s tripartite talks between the European Commission, Parliament and the Council. The charging measure still needs to be finally approved before it enters into force, but the process is largely considered a formality.
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