Apple could be forced to switch its iPhone charging method from Lightning to USB-C if a proposed EU directive comes to fruition.
The European Parliament is currently deliberating a new law that would require all mobile manufacturers to adopt a standardised charger.
The ‘common charger’ proposal, which is geared towards both reducing waste and making life more convenient for consumers, will be voted on in the future.
The EU says: “To reduce electronic waste and make consumers’ life easier, MEPs want binding measures for chargers to fit all mobile phones and other portable devices.”
Related: Best iPhone 2020
It isn’t the first time regulators have tried to introduce such a directive. Efforts in 2009 and 2014, both of which were voluntary initiatives meaning nothing has particularly stuck. Apple has spoken out on the matter before, back in 2018, when it claimed such a move could stifle innovation.
The company argued: “Apple stands for innovation. Regulations that would drive conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones freeze innovation rather than encourage it. Such proposals are bad for the environment and unnecessarily disruptive for customers.”
The @EU_Commission strongly supports harmonisation of chargers for mobiles. In 2009, we had >30 charging solutions. Now 3 main solutions. In the discussion w #industry we insist on the following objectives ✔️consumer convenience ✔️safety & interoperability ✔️reduction of e-waste. pic.twitter.com/jdcJ8pIk7s
— Maroš Šefčovič?? (@MarosSefcovic) January 13, 2020
Apple has, of course, plenty of experience in changing the charging port for its mobile gadgets. In 2012 it dropped the original 30-pin connector for iPhone, iPad and iPod devices in favour of the Lightning standard that endures today.
Apple may actually be verging towards a switch anyway, as it has already moved to USB-C on MacBook and iPad Pro models. Rumours continually predict the Lightning standard might be ready for silicon heaven, and the EU parliament might be the one to hammer the final nail in the coffin.
Of course any EU regulation won’t be binding in the UK for too much longer, but should the bloc decide upon such a course of action, Apple would probably make the change worldwide anyway.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.