EU sets start date for global cell phone charger (why Apple opposes it)

The days of looking for the right cell phone charger are coming to an end in most of Europe.

The European Union (EU) has agreed Fall 2024 All cell phones and other mobile devices Use a USB Type-C charger.

This has a special impact on Apple products.

IPhone phones and some iPad tablets should stop using their dedicated charging port. And this new restriction also applies to laptops.

Existing devices will be exempt from complying with this measure prior to implementation.

The new rules must be approved by the Council and the European Parliament, and formally approved after the summer recess.

Apple told the BBC there was no comment at this time. But in September 2021 They were against the proposal.

What devices are standard?

Apple is the largest manufacturer using a unique charging port LightningFor some of your devices like iPhone.

Android devices, meanwhile, mostly use USB-C and micro-USB charging ports.

But the new European standard aims to cover all “small and medium portable electronics” Cell phones, tablets, headsets, portable game consoles and portable speakers.

Any one of these is charged by a cable Must have USB Type-C portRegardless of who makes the devices.

Laptops will also have to comply with the ruling, but it will be 40 months after the manufacturers make the changes.

This agreement also includes a plan for customers Choose whether or not to cable To charge your new electronic devices at the time of purchase.

The statement read, “This legislation is part of the EU’s broader effort to make products more sustainable in the EU, reduce e-waste and make life easier for consumers.”

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It will save consumers up to மில்லியன் 250 million [US$267 millones] One year will buy unnecessary chargers and reduce waste by 11,000 tonnes a year, the EU added.

Why is Apple resisting?

Signs MoU in 2009 with 10 major technology leaders such as Apple, Nokia and Samsung.

In it, he promised to provide consumers with chargers compatible with micro-USB ports.

However, the US company took advantage of a legal loophole He allowed his own charging cable to continue to be used If a micro-USB adapter is also provided.

In 2014, the EU enacted the “Radio Equipment Directive”, which called for an “updated effort to create a common charger”.

Apple insisted that its thinner devices could not accommodate the new USB-C technology. According to the company, it can cost up to US $ 2 billion to meet the desired standards.

And last year Decided to categorically reject European action.

“Strict control that requires only one type of connector Instead of promoting innovation it prevents itIt will affect consumers in Europe and around the world, “said a spokesman for the BBC last year.

An alternative could be ports Wireless chargingTechnology already adopted by iPhones and other smartphones.

Some analysts predict that Apple will remove its charging ports altogether and, in the future, release iPhone and iPad models that rely solely on wireless charging.

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