EU wants USB-C in all mobile devices, including the iPhone

The European Union (EU) has advanced a proposal that would make USB-C a standard port for all mobile devices like tablets, headphones, and smartphones, including the iPhone that uses its proprietary Lightning connector.

In a report by Reuters, a proposal was sent on Thursday to the European Commission, that makes USB-C the standard port for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld video game consoles. It also adds that the chargers will be sold separately. The EU executive will also revise its eco-design regulation in the near future so that the external power supply is interoperable.

The proposal touts environmental benefits and EUR 250 million in annual savings for users.

Not targeting Apple

Although Apple will be impacted by the proposal once legislation is implemented, the Commission said that it’s not targeting the iPhone maker, and only acted because companies were not able to agree on a common solution, which has been 10 years in the making.

Apple is currently using its proprietary Lightning connector in iPhones and select iPad models but is already using USB-C in newer and more powerful iPad models.

Apple pushed back against the proposal, saying that the regulation will stifle innovation.

“We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world,” the company said in a statement.

Commission industry chief Thierry Breton, on the other hand, dismissed Apple’s comments.

“I have known these companies for years. Every time we put (forward) a proposal, they start to say ‘oh, it will be against innovation’. No, it’s not against innovation, it’s not against anyone. Like everything the Commission does, it’s for consumers,” he said.

source: Reuters