A universal charger compatible with all smartphones, tablets, headphones, cameras and music speakers. It is the idea of the European Commission which tackles the question this Thursday, September 23. For its part, the European Union wants to impose this universal USB C charger from 2024.
Since May 2021, several Asian phone brands, including Huawei, have joined forces to create a universal charger. But the project does not bring all the manufacturers in agreement, starting with the apple brand.
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The European Commission, which has wanted this progress since 2009, has decided to step up the pace and unveil its draft directive today, according to “Les Echos”. If the text is adopted, it will be applicable from 2024.
Apple lock screen
This proposal, supposed to simplify the life of the European consumer, nevertheless meets the resistance of the giant Apple wishes to keep its technology. An eight-pin connector called “Lightning”. The stake for the American leader: any use of related technology “Lightning” by another manufacturer (manufacturers of adapters or chargers for example) depends on the acquisition of a license sold at a high price by Apple. The multinational shouts at“Stifled innovation”.
In early 2020, Apple was already defending itself, explaining that such a measure would “Curb innovation” and penalize European consumers who already own equipment using Apple connectors.
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In the end, it could find a compromise by providing universal USB-C connectivity on these future models, while retaining its other home connectivity. A priori, therefore, iPhone users should not necessarily have to switch to USB-C, as explained ” Release “.
Electronic waste
The main objective of the European Commission is to fight against the accumulation of electronic waste, which now constitutes a new challenge for the planet. “The chargers represent 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year”, specifies the Commission, which expects this future legislation to reduce them by 1,000 tonnes per year.
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As part of the circular economy plan that it will present in December, additional measures on the recycling of chargers could also force manufacturers to take them back.
