European Union Legislation May Force Apple and Others to Include USB Type-C Port on Phones

takyon writes:

EU Proposes New Legislation That Would Force Apple to Bring USB-C to iPhones, iPads, and AirPods

Apple has shifted nearly every portable device to tout a USB-C port, except for its iPhone lineup, its AirPods family, and low-cost iPad. Why the company does not shift to an all-USB-C affair might have to do with receiving royalty payments from partners that manufacture third-party accessories of the proprietary port, but that arrangement might come to an end, thanks to a legislation from the EU.

The proposed legislation would force all consumer electronics, not just Apple, which sell devices in Europe, to incorporate USB-C ports in a variety of products, ranging from smartphones, tablets, headphones, cameras, portable speakers, handheld consoles, and others. Calling it the 'common port,' the European Union claims that switching all products to USB-C would not just have benefits to the environment, but annual monetary savings for consumers that mount to $293 million.

Pulling the plug on consumer frustration and e-waste: Commission proposes a common charger for electronic devices

Impact assessment study on common chargers of portable devices

Also at Reuters, NYT, BBC, AppleInsider, and Politico.

Previously: The Dream Of A Common Charger Is Alive, Despite Apple's Complaining

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