European Union plans common charging port for cellphones, tablets, headphones
In a move that is likely to impact iPhone maker Apple more than its rivals, the European Union is mulling having a common charging port for cellphones, tablets and headphones under a European Commission proposal presented on Thursday.
As per information, it is being planned for more than 10 years, with the European Union executive touting environmental benefits and 250 million euros ($293 million) in annual savings for users.
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Under the European Commission's proposal, a USB-C connector will become the standard charging port for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld videogame consoles. Chargers will also be sold separately from electronic devices.
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The EU executive will revise its eco-design regulation in the near future so that the external power supply is interoperable, which is the last step for a common charging port.
The commission said it was not targeting Apple and only acted because companies were not able to agree on a common solution despite a decade of talks, which have reduced the number of mobile phone chargers to three from 30.
iPhone and Android users have long complained about using different chargers for their phones. The former is charged from a lightning cable while Android-based devices are charged using USB-C connectors.
Half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% a Lightning connector, according to a 2019 Commission study.
The proposal needs the green light from EU countries and EU lawmakers following which companies will have two years to adapt their devices.
-PTC News with inputs from agencies
