EU Said to Legislate for Common Phone Charger Despite Apple Grumbles

The European Commission wants the sale of chargers to be decoupled from devices, and also propose a harmonised charging port, as per a source.

By Reuters | Updated: 22 September 2021 11:59 IST

Apple has said rules forcing connectors to conform to one type could deter innovation and irk consumers

Highlights

iPhone handsets are charged from its Lightning cable
Android-based devices are charged using USB-C connectors
The European Commission also propose a harmonised charging port

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.

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Apple, whose iPhone handsets 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 percent had a USB-C connector and 21 percent a Lightning connector, according to a 2019 Commission study.

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© Thomson Reuters 2021

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