European Union Legalizes USB-C As A Single Charger

The USB-C cable is the single charging port in the European Union. (photo; twitter @dealsily)

JAKARTA - Apple Inc., confirmed that it will have to make a major overhaul to change the connector on iPhones sold in Europe by 2024. This was necessary after European Union countries and EU lawmakers on Tuesday, June 7 approved a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets, and cameras for the first time in the world.

This political intervention, according to the European Commission, will make life easier for consumers and save them money. This came after the telecom companies failed to reach a common solution to define uniform ports.

Brussels has been pushing for a single mobile charging port for more than a decade, fueled by complaints from iPhone and Android users about having to switch to a different charger for their devices.

So far, iPhones are charged from a Lightning cable, while Android-based devices use a USB-C connector.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the EU decision. They had previously warned that the proposal would undermine innovation and create a heap of e-waste. Even so, Apple shares were still up 0.9% in morning trade in New York.

"This move could be a boost to Apple's sales in 2024," analysts said. The reason is that the decision will encourage more Europeans to buy the latest gadgets instead of using Apple without USB-C.

"The decision could persuade consumers to upgrade to a new phone more quickly," said CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino.

"Existing consumers can still use Lightning cables, but there will probably be fewer purchases of legacy products on third-party platforms," he said.

Bloomberg also reported last month that Apple was already working on an iPhone with a USB-C charging port that could debut next year.

When Apple releases a new iPhone, older phones are usually discounted, so millions of customers opt for the cheaper variant.

"If the EU bans sales of older models, it risks upsetting a lot of consumers and the government will force consumers to spend more," said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager at research firm IDC.

According to a 2019 study, half the chargers sold with phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector.

"By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU," the European Parliament said in a statement.

European Union industry chief Thierry Breton said the deal would save about 250 million euros (Rp 3.8 trillion) for consumers.

"It will also allow new technologies, such as wireless charging, to emerge and develop without allowing innovation to become a source of market fragmentation and consumer inconvenience," he said.

Laptops must comply with the law within 40 months of entry into force. EU executives will have the power in the future to harmonize wireless charging systems.

That the deal also covers e-readers, earbuds and other technology means it will also have an impact on Samsung, Huawei and other device makers, analysts said.

"We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices are also included," said MP Alex Agius Saliba, who leads debates in the European Parliament.