EU Commission Supports Charging Cable Unification Proposal, Apple Furious

The European Commission suggested a single mobile charging port more than a decade ago. (photo; doc. pixabay)

JAKARTA – The EU's bid to adopt a common charging port for mobile phones, tablets and headphones is now advancing after Wednesday, April 20, when an EU panel endorsed the proposal. The approval has paved the way for an assembly vote next month.

The European Commission suggested a single mobile charging port more than a decade ago. They hope phone makers can find a solution together. It then proposed a bill last year, a world first, after they failed to do so in the previous period.

The European Parliament's Committee on Internal Markets and Consumer Protection last Wednesday agreed with the EU Commission's proposal.

While Apple's iPhone where the charger from a Lightning cable must adapt to Android-based devices powered using a USB-C connector. Currently, the majority of phones sold in the EU are Android devices.

"With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped to Europe every year, generating 11.000 to 13.000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for cell phones and other small and medium-sized electronic devices will benefit everyone," said Alex Agius Saliba, who leads the debate in parliament, as quoted by Reuters.

The committee for approval of this charger actually wants the USB Type-C port to become the standard for phones, tablets, headphones, e-readers, low-power laptops, keyboards, computer mice, earbuds, smartwatches, and electronic toys. This condition will certainly make it difficult for Apple.

Apple said the proposal would undermine innovation and create a heap of garbage if consumers were forced to switch to new chargers. Because the old Apple charger cable will certainly be wasted in Europe.