The time is ticking before mobile phone manufacturers diss their old phone chargers. The European Commission (EC) proposed a new rule pushing manufacturers and consumers to use a universal charger.
The rising amount of garbage is a perennial problem in Europe as well as other countries. Europe disposes of about 11,000 tonnes of unused and used chargers per year. Last year, more or less 420 million mobile phones were sold in Europe, with each average person owning around three different chargers.
Once consumers update their mobile phones and buy new ones, they have to dispose of their old chargers, adding to the growing garbage pollution. This increasing concern has prompted the EC to submit a new proposal for manufacturers to release universal chargers.
The EC claims that using a common charger for all types of mobile phones is beneficial to the environment and consumers. And while this move will significantly impact the environment positively, one brand that has been the leading tech innovator worldwide isn’t happy about this proposal.
Apple Disagreeing
Apple has expressed its disagreement with the EC’s plan for universal chargers. The company, innovating sophisticated and user-friendly products, has always believed in integrating several Apple products through its own custom accessories. The tech giant states that this proposal will stifle innovation. An Apple representative told the BBC that this would not encourage innovation. Plus, the EC’s proposal may harm consumers in Europe and Apple users around the world.
Apple also states that it plans to prioritize environmentally-friendly solutions by going “carbon neutral” by 2030. To date, Apple uses the Lightning connector to charge its devices. The recent products, however, use USB-C charging ports.
Since Apple’s inception, the company has never joined the bandwagon on standardization. Unlike Android phone brands such as Samsung, Apple has a wide array of custom accessories. And going for the standard chargers will undeniably take a hit on Apple’s accessories’ revenue.
A long time coming
The European Commission didn’t just come up with this idea. This proposal has been a long time coming since the European Parliament has been encouraging universal chargers for years.
However, the EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, has announced the plan to distribute a standard charger that should be a USB-C for all mobile phones. This will be sold for tablets and smartphones within its 27-nation bloc.
In 2020, the European Parliament already agreed on universal chargers. But this legislative proposal will first undergo a debate by the European Parliament. Afterwhich, it will then be passed as a law in Europe once approved. The EC states that tech manufacturers will have 24 months to adhere to this new proposal.
No more haphazard charging cables
While this move makes Mother Nature a tad bit happier, so will consumers. Say goodbye to charging cables piling up in drawers, tables, or cabinets. With a universal charger, consumers will only rely on one type of cable to charge all their electronic devices.
Indeed, Apple isn’t too happy about this proposal. But with a leading tech giant such as Apple, they must have some tricks up their sleeves when it comes to innovating and revolutionizing products — just like what they’ve always done since 1976.
