The EU promotes the use of universal chargers – Spain’s News

Universal chargers.The EU has agreed to legislation requiring all new mobile devices sold in the block from 2024 to be compatible with a USB-C charger, in an effort to reduce electronic waste and provide convenience to consumers.

The initiative is not new. It dates back to 2009 when the EU reached a voluntary agreement with the main manufacturers of mobile devices to reduce the different versions of chargers from 30 to just three.

After this voluntary agreement, the versions of chargers that remained on the European market were USB 2.0 Micro B, USB-C and Lightning, exclusive to Apple. But this pact was put aside in 2014 and last year the EU took up a new initiative that is now taking shape and that still needs to be ratified by the representatives of the member countries and by the European Parliament.

The EU ruling hits Apple particularly hard because its iPhones use the Lightning connector. But it must be said that if you are in an EU country by 2024 you will be able to continue downloading apps and games for mac without any difficulty because some Macs and iPads already use USB-C and this is being tested on the iPhone, so it will probably be completely replaced by then.

The new regulations will enter into force in 2024.

The EU agreement to adopt legislation, which will require technology companies that make mobile devices to use the USB-C charger, will be presented to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers after the summer holidays and is expected to be there. will be formally approved.

The new regulations, which are expected to go into effect in 2024, will cover a long list of electronic devices including the following:

• Mobile phones
• tablets
• electronic readers
• portable microphones
• Portable video game consoles

For laptops, this regulation will enter into force at the beginning of the year 2026.

The vice-president of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager, justifies the legislative measure with the argument that it will reduce electronic waste.

The EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton also stated on his twitter account that “the general interest of the European Union has prevailed and means more savings for EU consumers and less garbage for the planet.”

According to the study that justifies the legal regulations, the savings for consumers in unnecessary purchases of chargers could reach 250 million euros and the reduction of waste could be 1,000 tons per year.

Apple’s opposition to universal chargers

When the new EU regulations come into force in 2023, Apple and other smartphone manufacturers must incorporate the USB-C cable. Apple uses the Lightning charger in most of its mobile devices and challenged this ruling, saying it is unnecessary and against innovation.

In an official statement last year, Apple said: “We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating only one type of charger will stifle innovation rather than encourage it, which in turn would harm consumers in Europe and around the world.” ».

However, given the imminence of European regulation, it seems that Apple is already testing a Lightning to USB-C adapter device on its iPhones.

Beyond the EU: The Brussels effect.

EU regulations often generate a global influence that is academically known as the “Brussels Effect”. It is difficult for a multinational to maintain different standards in the rest of the world than those required by the EU. This is why it is very likely that Apple finally decides to switch to a standard device for all its products in the world. But this remains to be seen.