EU Legislation Opts For Single Mobile Charging Port, Blow To Apple

The EU lawmakers have come to a consensus that there needs to be a single charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras. This would affect Apple the most as some of its devices require Lightning cable for charging.

Android and iPhone users have complained about having to switch between different chargers for their devices for a while now. Brussels has finally responded to the requests and come up with the single charging port mandate.

After this change, Apple will have to change the connector on iPhones sold in Europe by 2024. The company has earlier said that such a change would impact innovation and contribute to growing concerns around electronics waste.

“A common charger is common sense for the many electronic devices on our daily lives,” Thierry Breton, EU Internal Market Commissioner said in a statement. “European consumers will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics -- an important step to increase convenience and reduce waste.”

He further added that this change would save USD 267 million for consumers.

Apple already uses USB-C connectors on some of its iPads and laptop computers, but it needs to now extend the same for all devices in its portfolio.

The Legislation also requires laptops to comply with the rule within 40 months of it going on the floor.

(Reuters)