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The discussion about a standardized charging port in the European Parliament is back. The goal is clear - waste should be reduced and convenience increased and what will become of Apple's Lightning port?
Some members of the European Parliament are now finally calling for the implementation of a 2014 note included in the Radio Directive. The communication, entitled “Call for the introduction of a common charger for all mobile phones,” states the following:
To reduce electronic waste and make life easier for consumers, MEPs want mandatory measures for chargers that fit all mobile phones and other portable devices. In the 2014 Radio Equipment Directive, EU lawmakers called for the development of a common charger and empowered the Commission to pursue this through a delegated act. The Commission's approach of "encouraging" industry to develop common chargers fell short of the co-legislators' objectives. Voluntary agreements between the various industry players have not produced the desired results. A common charger should be suitable for all mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers, and other portable devices, MEPs say. Monday's debate will conclude with a resolution in a future plenary session. It is estimated that old chargers generate more than 51,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
Source, EU briefing
“More than 1 billion Apple devices with Lightning connector”
According to the plan, the issue is now to be addressed by implementing "binding measures." The attempt to "encourage" technology companies to develop a standardized solution didn't quite work out. At the time, charging connectors such as Micro-USB, USB-C, and the Lightning connector were proposed. But Apple fought back a year ago, defending the Lightning connector despite its own efforts to make USB-C more prevalent, as follows:
More than 1 billion Apple devices shipped with a Lightning connector, in addition to an entire ecosystem of accessory and device manufacturers using Lightning for our mutual customers. We want to ensure that new legislation does not result in unnecessary cables or external adapters being shipped with every device, or in the obsolescence of devices and accessories used by many millions of Europeans and hundreds of millions of Apple customers worldwide. This would result in an unprecedented amount of electronic waste and great inconvenience for users. Being forced to disrupt this huge customer market would have consequences that go far beyond the Commission's stated objectives. Starting in 2009, Apple led industry efforts to jointly promote a common charging solution. And with the advent of USB Type-C, we joined six other companies in committing that all new smartphone models would use this standard via a connector or cable assembly. We believe this joint effort by many of the industry's leading companies is better for innovation, better for consumers and better for the environment.
via Feedback from: Apple Inc.
A vote is expected at the next meeting – whether this will ultimately lead to the desired result remains to be seen. (Photo by mixmagic / Bigstockphoto)
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