To standardize mobile charging connectors, the European Union will present a draft directive in the coming days. By 2024, the mandatory connector in Member States should be USB-C. A directive that targets Apple and its proprietary Lightning outlet for the iPhone.
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With the smartphones, there are two or even three schools in matter connections to recharge the device: the cable endowed with a microUSB tip, endangered, theUSB-C which gradually becomes the universal connector, and the famous Lightning plugs which are only compatible with Apple’s iPhones and iPads. It is the latter that remain in the sights of the authorities for years, while the use of the microUSB socket for all smartphones except those of Apple has become general.
However, according to information obtained by the newspaper The echoes, the European Commission intends to unveil in the coming days a draft directive which will oblige cell phone manufacturers to make them compatible with a single charging connector. The chosen one would be the famous USB-C which has the advantage of being reversible, among other assets. This directive, which would apply to all the States of the European Union, could come into force in 2024.
The latest iPads have already switched to USB-C
Alone, Apple still retains its famous cable in the proprietary format and the brand has also sworn not to replace it. However, the firm finally made a gradual and discreet shift towards l’USB-C This year. The standard is now integrated into its Macbook with chip M1. It is even the USB-C which replaces the previous power supply system on the Macbook Air. Even its latest iPad Pro as well as the rest of the brand new iPad lineup have replaced the Lightning plug with a USB-C connector. But, on the side of iPhone, this proprietary plug is still in order. There is therefore a chance that Apple will bend its back and generalize this type of connector. Unless he innovates by removing the famous plug to opt for an iPhone devoid of connectors for a 100% wireless connection and charging.
Universal charger: Europe wants to bend Apple
By a very large majority, MEPs voted a resolution non-binding for the implementation of a universal charger for all smartphone manufacturers. In the viewfinder of the European Commission, Apple and its proprietary outlet, Lightning.
Article by Fabrice Auclert, published on January 31, 2020
The European Union has been calling for the harmonization of chargers in the field of smartphones for more than 10 years. If there are good students on the side ofAndroid, on the other hand, Apple continues to stand apart. Except that on Thursday, MEPs adopted, by 582 votes to 40, a non-binding resolution to speed up the introduction of a single charger for all devices sold in Europe, including the iPhone.
But Apple is fiercely opposed to it because the firm does not intend to abandon its port Lightning found on iPhones since 2012, but also iPads and iPods. Apple sees two main reasons for keeping its proprietary technology. First, it concerns no less than a billion chargers in circulation and their replacement would be catastrophic from an ecological point of view, with tons of waste at stake. Then, Apple explained, a week ago, that the diversity of connectors for charging a smartphone was pulling the competition upwards.
Standardization also planned for wireless charging
Currently, there are therefore three types of connection: the Lightning dear to Apple devices, microUSB and USB-C. Ultimately, microUSB should disappear, and therefore only USB-C will remain for Android smartphones. Will Apple eventually give in? Perhaps since, it must be remembered, the iPad Pro is in USB-C since 2018, and it is rumored that iPhones could follow the movement from 2021.
But MEPs already have another hobbyhorse: wireless charging, and they want to ensure interoperability so that wireless chargers are not limited to one brand or type of device. The debate is only just beginning on this subject, even if it has lasted for more than 10 years.
Universal chargers for laptops are coming …
The incompatibility of smartphone chargers will soon be a thing of the past. In a press release published on Wednesday, the European Commission has just announced new standards for the universal charger for mobile phones. The first devices should be marketed ” during the first months of 2011 ».
Posted on 01/02/11 by Julien L. / Numérama
The European Commission announces that the European standards relating to universal laptop charger have been fixed. The first chargers should be marketed as early as next year. No less than fourteen mobile phone manufacturers, including Apple, Motorola, Nokia, Research in Motion (RIM, manufacturer of the Blackberry), Samsung and Sony Ericsson, are committed to following these new standards.
« The universal charger will make life easier for consumers, help reduce waste and will benefit businesses. There is something for everyone »Rejoiced Antonio Tajani, the Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner in charge of Industry and Business. Industry “ must maintain its commitment to sell mobile phones compatible with this new charger ” he added.
Financial and environmental benefit
Discussions about the universal charger go back a few years. In 2009, fourteen companies committed to standardize, via the Micro-USB connector, chargers for smartphones that can be connected to a computer and sold in the European Union. The agreement brought together companies like Apple, Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.
The European Commission explains that it has ” entrusted to CEN-Cenelec et al’SEARCH [en décembre 2009] the mission of developing European standards relating to the universal charger ». « The standards also take into account safety risks and emissions electromagnetic and ensure that the universal chargers are sufficiently protected against interference exterior. »
L’emergence of a universal charger will have a double advantage. First of all for the consumer, who will not need to renew it when they change their cell phone. Until now, he had to change the charger even though the old one might be in good condition. For’environment second, since the number of magazines thrown in the trash should decrease significantly.
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