The European Union’s bid to adopt a common charging port for mobile phones, tablets and headphones has taken a step forward after an EU panel backed the proposal, paving the way for an assembly vote, soon.
The European Commission suggested on Wednesday a single mobile charging port more than a decade ago, hoping phone makers would be able to find a common solution. It proposed draft legislation last year, a world-first after they failed to do so.
The European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee agreed with the Commission’s proposal.
Proposal hurts innovation, says Apple.
Apple’s iPhones are charged from a Lightning cable while Android-based devices are powered using USB-C connectors. The majority of phones sold in the EU are Android devices.
“With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone,” said Alex Agius Saliba, who is leading the debate in parliament.
The committee wants the USB Type-C port to be the standard for mobile phones, tablets, headphones, e-readers, low-powered laptops, keyboards, computer mice, earbuds, smartwatches, and electronic toys.
Apple has said the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of waste if consumers were forced to switch to new chargers.
