EU One Step Closer On Move To Force Apple To Switch To USB-C Ports

Members of the European Parliament have voted in support of legislation to drive Apple into offering a USB-C port for all her devices in Europe.

The proposal, known as a directive, isn’t just focused on Apple but compelling all consumer electronics manufacturers within Europe to ensure that henceforth new electronic devices ranging from phones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld video game consoles, and portable speakers feature a USB-C port. This move speaks for all types of electronic devices regardless of the manufacturer. However, exemptions to the new drive also apply but only for devices that are too small to offer a USB-C port. These devices will include smartwatches, health trackers, and a few sports equipment that will be too small for a USB-C port. This “common port” would be a world first and is said to impact tech giant- Apple in particular because many Apple devices are known to use the Lightning connector instead of USB-C.

According to reports, Members of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee on Wednesday voted in support of the legislation. 43 Committee members voted in favour of the directive, with just two committee members voting against it. A statement from the Members of the Parliament stated that the new move will go in a long way to reduce electronic waste, address product sustainability, and allow the use of different devices more conveniently.

MEPs have expressed the desire to see clear and obvious information that labels new devices about the charging options they possess. Also, a clear message stating if an electronic product includes a charger or not. The parliament states that this move will help avoid unnecessary confusion consumers might come up with and also help ease and influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. Many believe the new directive is essential for Apple as the company in 2020 started the practice of removing chargers from all new iPhone models starting with the iPhone 12.

In addition, Members of the European Parliament wish to see the Commission present a common strategy for ensuring interoperability between wireless charging solutions by 2026. This they say is to prevent fragmentation and reduce waste, ensure consumer convenience, and avoid getting locked into proprietary charging solutions. However, this move is unclear whether to include Apple’s MagSafe charging system for the ‌iPhone‌ and AirPods or not, especially because it is based on the Qi wireless charging standard.

The European Commission in 2018 once tried to reach a final resolution on this issue but failed to bring it into law. However, Apple quickly warned that forcing all new devices into using a common charging port would stifle innovation and create electronic waste as consumers were forced to switch to new cables. The EU resumed effort on this issue last year, with the European Commission spearheading a refreshed version of it. At this point, for the new directive to come into effect, the European Parliament must approve the draft legislation next month, before commencing talks with individual EU members who will have to state their final directive.