Members of the European Parliament had voted to force companies like Apple Inc to adapt their products that do not already utilise a standard USB-C charger to use one. In Apple’s case, this would include iPhones. As many as 602 lawmakers voted for the plan on Tuesday, with 13 being against the idea and 8 abstaining.
The deal was provisionally agreed upon in June between the commission and the European Union’s 27 countries but still needs to obtain the final sign-off from the EU member states. The new rules are expected to be written into the law at the beginning of 2023.
“We are replacing this pile of chargers,” said Alex Agius Saliba, the lead negotiator in the European Parliament referring to a bundle of power adapters, “with just this,” holding up a single USB-C cable when debating the final proposal in Strasbourg on Tuesday.
The idea angered Apple as they said it would reduce innovation. The technology company is currently testing future iPhone models that replace the well-known Lightning charging port with the standard USB-C connector, reported Bloomberg in May. All the latest Apple laptops and iPad Pro models already use them, and so do the most popular Android smartphones.
Under the proposed rules, all phones and tablets sold in Europe, despite the brands, will have to comply with the new law by the fall of 2024. Laptops will have a more extended time in order to make the switch. Also, the commission will be able to set standards for wireless charging in the future.
The proposal was first proposed last year by the European Commission. The European Union stated this will ensure that consumers can eliminate the need to carry multiple chargers for all their devices, simultaneously reducing environmental waste.
“The common charger will simplify the lives of Europeans,” said Vestager. “No more obsolete chargers piling up in drawers, reducing costs for European citizens.”
So, what do you think about the new rule? Will it help decrease e-waste? Share with us your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
Source: Bloomberg
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