EU approves phone charger reform
The European Parliament on Tuesday approved new rules that will introduce a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the European Union by 2024.
However, this is a world first that should affect the iPhone maker Apple more than its competitors.
The vote confirms an earlier agreement between EU institutions and will make USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the European standard, forcing Apple (AAPL.O) to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices.
Among major electronics suppliers to European customers, Apple is expected to be among the hardest hit, but analysts also expect a possible positive impact as it could encourage shoppers to purchase the company's latest gadgets instead of those without USB-C.
The deal also covers e-readers, headphones and other tech, meaning it could also impact Samsung, Huawei and other device makers, analysts say.
>Meanwhile, Apple, Samsung and Huawei were not immediately available for comment.
Apple has in the past warned that the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of e-waste.
European lawmakers supported the reform by a large majority, with 602 votes in favor and only 13 against.
However, the change had been discussed for years and was prompted by complaints from iPhone and Android users about the need to switch to different chargers for their devices.
The European Commission estimated that the single charger would save consumers around €250 million ($247.3 million).
Half of the chargers sold with cellphones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% had a Lightning connector, which is used by Apple, according to a study by the 2019 Commission. .
(Reuters/NAN)
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The European Parliament on Tuesday approved new rules that will introduce a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the European Union by 2024.
However, this is a world first that should affect the iPhone maker Apple more than its competitors.
The vote confirms an earlier agreement between EU institutions and will make USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the European standard, forcing Apple (AAPL.O) to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices.
Among major electronics suppliers to European customers, Apple is expected to be among the hardest hit, but analysts also expect a possible positive impact as it could encourage shoppers to purchase the company's latest gadgets instead of those without USB-C.
The deal also covers e-readers, headphones and other tech, meaning it could also impact Samsung, Huawei and other device makers, analysts say.
>Meanwhile, Apple, Samsung and Huawei were not immediately available for comment.
Apple has in the past warned that the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of e-waste.
European lawmakers supported the reform by a large majority, with 602 votes in favor and only 13 against.
However, the change had been discussed for years and was prompted by complaints from iPhone and Android users about the need to switch to different chargers for their devices.
The European Commission estimated that the single charger would save consumers around €250 million ($247.3 million).
Half of the chargers sold with cellphones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29% had a USB-C connector and 21% had a Lightning connector, which is used by Apple, according to a study by the 2019 Commission. .
(Reuters/NAN)
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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