AppleInsider is supported by its audience and can earn commissions on eligible purchases as an Amazon Partner and Affiliate Partner. These affiliate partnerships do not affect our editorial content.
EU officials voted to back a long-planned proposal that would require Apple and all tech companies to adopt USB-C as a universal charger and add new requirements for the wireless charging standard.
For more than a decade, the European Union has been urging manufacturers to use the same chargers for their smartphones and other devices. The EU’s plan to formally introduce new legislation was passed in January 2022, but needs further support.
The MEP (Members of the European Parliament) of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection now voted 43 to 2 in favour of these proposals, with significant improvements.
The newly revised proposal includes a call for “interoperability of wireless charging technology by 2026,” according to an EU press release.
It’s unclear what the proposals specifically address wireless charging. The Qi standard has effectively been generalized and supported in a wide range of products.
The EU’s Alex Agius Saliba said: “Each year, 5 billion portable device chargers are shipped in Europe, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, one for mobile phones and other Chargers for small and medium-sized electronic devices will benefit everyone.” “Ot will help the environment, further assist in the reuse of old electronics, save money, and reduce unnecessary costs and inconveniences for businesses and consumers.”
The revised proposal includes calls for improved communication with the “dedicated label.” What’s more, the EU now wants the universal charger and wireless charging requirements to apply to more devices, including laptops and other electronics.
Apple has previously opposed the EU’s plan to require universal chargers.
In 2020, Apple said: “We believe that regulations mandating the consistency of connector types built into all smartphones would stifle rather than encourage innovation and would harm consumers and the economy in Europe.” We hope that the European Commission will continue to seek A solution that doesn’t limit the industry’s ability to innovate and bring exciting new technology to customers. ”
A new vote approved these amendments to the existing proposal, and the entire package must now go to a plenary vote in the European Parliament in May 2022. The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Commission has since said it will be “ready to start negotiations with the EU on the final form of government-to-government legislation.”
No legislation will be finalized until the text is finalized and legal challenges are completed. Implementation could take years. Following the introduction of USB-C to the market, the EU’s implementation of micro USB as a standard was fully implemented.
