On Tuesday, 7 June 2022, the European Union took decisive steps to reduce the mess caused by wasted cables by requiring all smartphone makers to support one common charging standard for mobile devices. The regulations have been formally approved and will be passed into law this summer, but their implementation will not take effect until early fall 2024.According to this rule, all your everyday devices can be charged via a wired cable and must be equipped with a port known as USB Type-C.
Parliamentary rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: "Today, we have made shared chargers a reality in Europe! European consumers have long been frustrated by the sheer volume of chargers in every new device. Now they can use one charger for all their portable electronic devices. We've also added provisions on wireless charging as the next evolution in charging technology and improving information and labelling for consumers."
This new obligation could help consumers save up to 250 million euros per year on purchasing useless chargers. Single-use chargers that aren't used are estimated to generate about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste each year.
So, what about Apple iPhone users?
So far, we know that Apple products have a uniqueness that distinguishes them from products sold in the market. They have a lightning charger port that is specifically for iPhone users. But under the regulation, Apple should be ready to swap this iconic port, or maybe they'll come up with something new to switch the charging system to all wireless as iPhone 12 and 13 do.
Tasya (Apple iPhone user) said: "If Apple wants to produce something, it must have its own breakthrough and characteristics; they can even create trends that other brands will usually follow. But again, this discussion is a decision between Apple and the government; we can't interfere too much. And if you look at the loyal Apple users, this policy won't affect them. They are comfortable using the iPhone and don't care about the shape of the charger."
