A proposal would need a universal charging method for phones and other gadgets, but Apple has expressed concerns that this would hinder innovation.
The European Commission unveiled a proposal on Thursday that would mandate the inclusion of a universal USB-C charging connection in phones and other electronic gadgets, reducing waste by allowing users to reuse their old chargers on new devices. This change would mostly affect Apple, which utilizes its proprietary Lightning connection instead of USB-C on its iPhones.
The regulations would apply to tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld video gaming consoles in addition to phones.
The updated Radio Equipment Directive plan also calls for the unification of fast-charging standards, as well as the ability for users to buy new devices without a charger and explicit instructions on which charging standards their device supports.
The idea will need to be approved by the European Parliament, but that body voted in support of unified charging rules last year. Manufacturers of medical devices would have 24 months to adjust to the new requirements.
"European customers have been annoyed long enough with unsuitable chargers stacking up in their drawers," said Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president of the European Commission, in a statement. "We gave industry ample time to develop their own solutions; now is the time for government action to establish a common charger."
Apple stated in an email to CNET that it supported the European Commission's commitment to environmental protection and that it aims to make all of its devices carbon neutral by 2030.
"We continue to be concerned that rigid legislation mandating only one kind of connector stifles rather than encourages innovation, harming customers in Europe and throughout the world," an Apple spokeswoman said.
However, Apple has been progressively transitioning to USB-C on several of its devices, including the new iPhone 13, which will be available on Friday. MacBooks received the connection technology in 2015, the iPad Pro in 2018, and the iPad Air in 2020. The firm revealed last week that the newest iPad Mini includes USB-C support.