The European Commission (EC) has developed amendments to EU directives requiring manufacturers of phones and other electronics to use USB-C as a single charging connector. According to the EC, it is also proposed to oblige manufacturers to ensure compatibility of different fast charging standards. The rules, which are yet to be adopted by the European Parliament, are intended to reduce the volume of e-waste.
In addition to phones, plans cover tablets, headphones, portable speakers, game consoles and cameras. Apple, whose phones continue to use the Lightning port, will be most affected by the rules. An Apple spokesman told the Associated Press that such regulation “restricts innovation rather than encourages it, which will harm consumers in Europe and around the world.”
The EU has been trying since 2009 to oblige mobile phone manufacturers to use a single charging connector. Previously introduced norms allowed Apple to limit the release of an adapter from its own connector to microUSB. In January 2020, the European Parliament voted in favor of the new rules, after which the EC began drafting amendments.
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