Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in
All phones having the same chargers would make users' lives easier, European politicians say
Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile
Apple could be forced to change its iPhone charger yet again.
Phone makers are being targeted by the European Parliament as it tries to ensure that all phones have the same ports and charging wires.
European politicians say that forcing companies to all adopt the same plugs would "reduce electronic waste and make consumers’ life easier".
Such a measure would force Apple to drop its Lighting cable, which it uses on the iPhone but is a proprietary port that is not available for use on phones made by other manufacturers.
European politicians have been pushing for increased compatibility between phone chargers for more than 10 years. Ten years ago, a memorandum of understanding was signed in which companies agreed they would work towards a common standard.
But MEPs said those solutions had failed and asked for "binding measures" that would force phone companies to use the same chargers.
"The Commission's approach of 'encouraging' industry to develop common chargers fell short of the co-legislators’ objectives," politicians said in a briefing. "The voluntary agreements between different industry players have not yielded the desired results."
Instead, they tasked the European Commission with pushing companies to adopt a common charger that would "fit all mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers and other portable devices".
In practise, most companies have moved towards the relatively new USB-C standard, which is now used by many Android phones. That solves the issues that were present in previous attempts at a common standard, and has been adopted across the industry.
Even Apple now uses USB-C in its iPads and MacBooks. But it has kept the Lightning charger in its phones and related products like the AirPods Pro, ever since it was first released in 2012.
Some rumours have suggested that Apple could give up the charging port entirely, instead offering wireless charging.
Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism
By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists
{{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}
By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Already have an account? sign in
By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism
By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists
{{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}
By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Already have an account? sign in
By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in
Or if you would prefer: