Apple Speaks Out Against European Plans to Force Universal Charger Standard for Smartphones

Apple is speaking out against EU plans to force tech companies to adopt a universal charger standard for all smartphones and other electronics, reports the Financial Times.

The company argues that doing so would hamper innovation, hurt millions of customers, and create an 'unprecedented volume' of waste.

“We believe regulation that forces conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, and would harm consumers in Europe and the economy as a whole,” Apple said. “We hope the Commission will continue to seek a solution that does not restrict the industry’s ability to innovate and bring exciting new technology to customers.”


Earlier this month, the EU threatened regulatory measures to obtain its objectives.

“We will look at a combination of policy options, including regulatory and non-regulatory measures, to achieve our objectives,” said Maros Sefcovic, vice-president of the European Commission for inter-institutional relations and foresight.

Although Apple has switched to USB-C for its iPad Pro models, it has used the Lightning connector for iPhones and iPods since 2012. The Lightning connector is 20% smaller that USB-C saving critical space for other components.

A study by Copenhagen Economics, commissioned by Apple last month, found that that while 49% of households use different connector types only 0.4% of consumers “regularly experience any significant issue” due to incompatible cabling.


Another factor of note in this debate is the shift to wireless charging. Many devices already support the same Qi standard and there are even rumors that Apple plans to release a completely wireless iPhone in 2021.

Do you think Apple should be forced to switch to USB-C? Let us know in the comments!

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