The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU), has announced intentions to require electronics makers, ranging from smartphones to portable video game consoles, to utilize USB-C in an effort to reduce waste, and Apple is displeased.
The Commission claims that despite working with the industry to cut the number of charging cords from 30 to three over the last decade, it was unable to further lower that number through a voluntary method.
EU requires USB-C 
EU requires USB-C
As a result, it has decided to propose legislation to establish a standardized charging method for all “important gadgets.”
If passed, the legislation, known as the revised Radio Equipment Directive, will require charging ports and fast charging technology to be harmonized under the USB-C standard and will become mandatory for smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld video game consoles.
The Commission also wishes to separate the sale of chargers from the sale of electronic devices, which it claims will increase customer convenience and lower the environmental impact associated with charger production and disposal, “thereby promoting the green and digital transitions.”
Finally, the Commission will compel manufacturers to give important charging performance information, such as the power required by the gadget and whether it supports fast charging. The organization hopes that this will help to demystify the charging environment and enable consumers to readily discover if the chargers they own fit the needs of a new device or assist them in selecting a new compatible charger.
“When combined with the other measures,” the Commission says, “this would assist consumers to reduce the number of new chargers purchased and save €250 million per year on unnecessary charger purchases.”
The legislation would force Apple to abandon the Lightning connector that has been a mainstay of the iPhone series in favor of USB-C, which doesn’t appear to be a particularly difficult task on the surface. Apple has already switched its iPad range, including the iPads released last week, to USB-C. Furthermore, Apple appears to be in line with the proposed mandate to segregate chargers from electronics, a move it did last year in the cause of e-waste.
According to TechRadar and The Verge, Apple has taken issue with the planned injunction.
“We continue to be concerned that tight legislation mandating only one type of connector stifles rather than encourages innovation,” an Apple spokesman adds. “As a result, consumers in Europe and around the world will suffer.”
“Apple represents innovation and is highly concerned about the user experience.” Apple’s most innovative ideas revolve around creating items out of recycled and renewable materials. We share the European Commission’s commitment to environmental protection and are already carbon neutral for all of our corporate emissions globally; by 2030, every single Apple device and its usage will be carbon neutral.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with stakeholders to help find a solution that safeguards consumer interests as well as the industry’s capacity to innovate and provide exciting new technology to users,” the emailed statement said.
The proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and the Council through the ordinary legislative procedure, and if approved, a transition period of 24 months from the date of adoption is granted to allow the industry time to adjust.