The European Union’s attempt to introduce a common charging port for devices took a big leap after an EU panel backed the proposal. This means an assembly vote will be held next month on the issue.<\/p>\n
“With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone,” said Alex Agius Saliba, a member of parliament who led the debate.<\/p>\n
The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament approved the Commission’s proposal on Wednesday. In addition, the Committee wants the USB Type-C connector to become the standard for mobile phones, tablets, headphones, e-readers, low-powered laptops, keyboards, computer mice, earphones, smartwatches and electronic toys.<\/p>\n
This change is likely to affect iPhones that currently have a proprietary flash charging port. If implemented, it will be illegal to sell an electronic device without a USB-C charging port.<\/p>\n
Apple will be forced to switch to USB-C for its products sold throughout the bloc. Apple criticized the proposal stating that such a law would harm innovation and cause a large amount of waste if consumers were forced to switch to new chargers.<\/p>\n