The European Parliament is calling for common chargers that would fit all mobile phones and tablets to be introduced.
According to EU officials, one-size-fits-all chargers would not only make life easier for customers, but it would also help the environment. Officials have estimated that old chargers generate more than 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year.
While technology companies have been encouraged to work alongside one another to develop a universal charger, this voluntary agreement hasn’t seen the results that officials had hoped for.
As industry players haven’t voluntarily made significant changes, the EU might have to take action. Such a proposal could be particularly challenging for Apple as they’ve sold more than 1 billion iPhones and iPads which use a lightning connector.
Although the EU has been calling for standardised chargers for several years now, in 2019, Apple argued that the law would stifle innovation. They also claimed that it would also harm the environment, as well as causing unnecessary disruption for their customers.
Despite the pushback from Apple, members of the European Parliament are planning to cast vote on the measure at a future session.