'Major blow to Apple': EU inks deal on single charging port for all devices
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In a major blow to Apple, the EU has paved the way for all smartphones to be legally required to use a USB-C port for charging, Reuters reported.
The move which the European Commission said would make life easier for consumers and save them money, came after companies failed to reach a common solution.
The European Commission had been pushing for a single mobile charging port more than a decade ago.
As per reports, the agreement will apply from autumn 2024 for all smartphones sold in the bloc, a decision that could substantially impact Apple as the iPhone uses Apple's lightning port for wired charging.
iPhones and Android phones users have long complained about having to use different type of chargers for their devices. The users with multiple devices had to keep multiple chargers. Apple's products are charged from a Lightning cable while Android-based devices are mostly powered using USB Type-C connectors. As per a 2019 Commission study, half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29 percent had a USB Type-C connector, and 21 percent a Lightning connector.
"The deal we struck this morning will bring around EUR 250 million (roughly Rs. 2,075 crores) of savings to consumers," Reuters cited a statement by EU industry chief Thierry Breton.
The EU said the rule change aims to reduce hassle for consumers as well as electronic waste, as it will enable consumers to use older chargers for new devices.
The rules will apply to "all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices", which will include mobile phones, tablets, cameras, keyboards, speakers, headphones, headsets, and earbuds. Laptops will have to be adapted to fit the requirements 40 months after they come into force.
The decision is yet to be approved by the European Parliament and European Council but is expected to be a formality.
European parliament spokesperson Alex Agius Saliba said: "Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe.
"European consumers were long frustrated with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics.