It looks like it’s the end of the era of Lightning connectors on the iPhone – the European Parliament has announced a new law that will require device makers to use USB-C connectors. Most Android devices already use the standard, so the iPhone will be the most affected by the EU ruling. The new ruling has been announced to establish a “single charging solution for certain electronic devices.”
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According to the EU, this ruling comes down to sustainability and the immense about of e-waste created by the electronic technology industry. All our devices use rare-earth elements, and we could run out sooner than previously thought. On an annual basis the EU is producing 11,000 tons of e-waste, which it wants to curb.
The EU highlights how this will make it easier for consumers to charge their small and mid-sized devices. The devices affected by this new policy include mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles, and portable speakers.
While an intrepid engineer built USB-C into an iPhone which sold for $86,000, having all iPhones run on USB-C will mean much cheaper adaptors and universal charging bricks that could be used across all devices.
We have reached a deal on the common charger! 🔌👏
— IMCO Committee Press (@EP_SingleMarket) June 7, 2022
✔️mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras & more #USBtypeC
✔️harmonised fast-charging technology
✔️unbundling of sale of chargers from the sale of device
🔴 Press conference at 12.30 CEST ➡️ https://t.co/TCBXxzIEdr pic.twitter.com/29JmeL0nxe
According to a 2021 study, 44% of mobile devices sold in 2021 had USB-C connectors, while 38% still used the older micro-USB port, and only 19% feature a Lightning port. However, if not for this new policy, it’s estimated that micro-USB would stick around for several more years before USB-C ate up its share. Meanwhile, Lightning would retain the same share by 2026.
The EU also wants to introduce a common standard for fast chargers, as well as making it easier to understand for people not as familiar with tech jargon. The body has stated that consumers will be “provided with clear information on the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible.”