According to a source familiar with the situation, the European Commission will present a legislative proposal for a common phone charger for mobile phones, tablets, and headphones on Thursday. A move that will disproportionately affect Apple.
For more than a decade, the European Union executive and legislators have pushed for a common phone charger. Hereby, claiming that it would be better for the environment and more convenient for users.
According to the source, the Commission aims to separate charger sales from device sales and propose a standardized charging port.
Apple’s iPhones are charged via its lightning cable. It claims that rules requiring connectors to conform to one type could stifle innovation. Therefore, result in a mountain of electronic waste, and irritate consumers.
USB-C connectors are to charge Android-based smartphones. According to a 2019 Commission study, half of the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29 percent had a USB-C connector and 21% had a lightning connector.