The EU Wants Standardised Phone Chargers… And Apple Isn’t Happy
The days of searching for the right phone charger could be coming to an end, with the European Union proposing a standardised cord for Apple and Android devices alike.
Under the European Commission’s new proposal, all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld videogame consoles on the market must come compatible with a USB-C charger.
This would of course have the greatest impact on Apple, which currently only allows users to charge iPhones with a ‘Lightning’ cable.
Android devices are commonly charged with a USB-C charger.
The Commission has also proposed the unbundling the sale of chargers and devices in an effort to reduce wastage and is pushing for harmonised fast charging technology.
And while the proposed changes might be seen as an attack on Apple products, the European Commission says it’s all about reducing electronic waste.
“European consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers,” Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said.
“We gave industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger. This is an important win for our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions.”
Apple has since responded to the proposal, citing concerns around how such changes could impact 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.
For the proposal to actually be adopted across Europe, it will need to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council by ordinary legislative procedure.
The Commission has said it will give phone makers a 24-month period to make the transition.
Image: iStock/Hailshadow
Latest News
On The Menu Joins Forces With TBWA\Melbourne To Melt Freezer Shame
This campaign "fights misconceptions about frozen food". Ice-cream, pies, Sara Lee! What misconceptions, B&T asks?
IMAA Announces Digi-Byte Event Featuring Industry’s Top Talent Plus “Immersive” Gaming Competition
The indies fan group unveils plans for its newest event. Says anyone in a WPP running singlet will be refused entry.
Bowel Cancer Revealed As Australia’s Deadliest Creature In New Campaign, Via Ogilvy Health
Does your office have a secret & serial farter? Possibly lure them out with this important bowel cancer campaign.
Who’s In Charge? B&T Reveals The Best Of The Best Industry Association Chiefs!
B&T's acknowledging the 10 very best industry association bosses. Discover if your membership dues are worth it here.
TEDxSydney Splits Into Two; Check Its New Creative Program
TEDxSydney moves to Luna Park's Big Top in June. Get motivated & throw up on the Wild Mouse at the very same time.
TV Ratings 14/5/24: Punters More Interested In Farmer Wants A Wife Drama Than Jeremy Clarkson’s Agricultural Adventures
Think sheep husbandry programs are TV's missing link? You can't complain with Farmer Wants A Wife AND Clarkson's Farm.
Paper Moose and Innocean Australia launch Love Our Work Industry Charter
It's a top initiative fostering harmony in the creative space. Not to downplay the unbridled joy of destroying a rival.
IAB: Privacy Act Changes Might Lead To “Nonsensical Outcomes” For Digital Advertising As Industry Wrings Hands
B&T front row at the IAB's Data & Privacy Summit. So private, in fact, attendees were wearing fake moustaches.
Fortress Games Hits Play On Partnership With Havas Network’s Organic And One Green Bean
The games culture destination names local agency roster who'll hopefully explain what a games culture destination is.
Fabulate Launches New List Of Fastest Growing Aussie Creators, Including Leah Halton, Across Social Media
A list of who's hot in Australia's influencer/creator world's here. And it's bad news for foodies angling for a freebie.
Find Your Work-Life Balance: ‘Airbnb’ Your Next Job With ViewJobs
Farmer Wants A Wife piqued your interest in all things regional? See who's hiring with this regional job initiative.
Madeleine Hawcroft Joins Deadset Studios As Executive Producer
Madeleine Hawcroft has joined the Deadset Studios team. Confirms she is of no relation to Russel.
Zimmermann Opens An Immersive Brand Space At Iconic Paris Department Store Le Bon Marché With Amplify Paris
Zimmermann continues to pioneer Aussie fashion on the global stage. Not forgetting Tradies underpants in that comment.
Red Rooster And Four‘N Twenty Team Up To Rev Up “Aussie-ness” Ahead Of Footy Final Season
Australia's greatest culinary gifts to the world join as one. B&T unsure of the whereabouts of the lamington.
‘The Emperor’s New Clothes Are Going To Be Stripped Off’: News Corp’s Pippa Leary & Panel Of Industry Leaders Urge Advertisers To ‘Wake Up’
B&T goes one-on-one with News' MD of client product, Pippa Leary. Sadly, we got KO-d in the third.
News Corp Rolls Out Shoppable And Targeted In Time View Ad Formats
Accidentally doze off during the juicy bits at yesterday's D_Coded? No one will be any the wiser with these cheat tips.
Samsung Launches ‘Clash of Commuters’ with CHEP Network and Livewire
Look no further than this for the huge marketing potential of gaming. That & people willingly drinking Monster.
Fintech Disruptor Revolut Launches New Above-The-Line Campaign In Australia To Challenge Traditional Banking Conventions
Disruptor wants to "challenge traditional banking conventions". "We'll see about that," retorts Mr CBA, Westpac, et al.
Chris Freel: The Uncomplicated Complexity In OOH
Former UnLTD boss come oOh! sales director talks his love of outdoor (as in the ad medium, not hiking up a steep hill).
Cairns Crocodiles The Work: B2B Campaigns Sponsored By LinkedIn
B&T's shining a light on the B2B category for the coming Croc Awards. Well, more candle after the torch batteries died.
Expedia Launches Travel Shops Giving Influencers Tools To Shopify The Travel Content Experience
Travel's so popular they even have large conferences in Las Vegas dedicated to it. To prove it, B&T's there. Right now.
News Corp’s Lou Barrett On D_Coded: ‘The Penny Has Dropped… So We’ve Supercharged How Brands Plan, Book & Measure In One Place’
B&T chats with Lou Barrett post News' D_Coded event yesterday. Alas, we didn't talk the Tele's bikie gang fascination.
Advertisers Wasting 42% Of Digital Ad Spend – Next&Co report
With the cost of living crisis biting I think we can all agree that waste is rarely a positive thing...
Introducing New Podcast ‘MID’: Holly Wainwright Rebrands The Mid-Life Experience For Australian Women
The joys of midlife are celebrated in this new podcast. And play it loud if the old eardrums are starting to creak.
TV Ratings (13/05/2024): The Summit Brings In The Eyeballs For Nine
The Summit does the business on its return for Nine. Meanwhile, press photo confirms the importance of headwear.
Snap’s ANZ Agency Lead Ellie Rogers Steps Down Amid Restructure
Ellie Rogers says family was a big part in her next career move. Not so B&T, who only comes to work to avoid ours.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Awareness Drive ‘The Signs Are Everywhere’ Is B&T’s Campaign Of The Month for April 2024
B&T's ad of the month is both a worthy cause & worthy winner. Even if KFC's Zinger box can feel slightly hard done by.
iSelect Launches New Brand Campaign ‘Save More’ Via Howatson+Company
If there's an agency that's "so hot right now" it's Howatson+Co. And, yes, B&T's unnecessarily bigged-up this new work.
In The Making Expands Into Melbourne
Brisbane PR agency unveils its Melbourne plans. Still adjusting from the pineapple print to the mandatory all black.
It’s Off The Crisper Sale! Introducing KFC’s New Original Crispy Burger Series
This article contains the location to obtain free KFC burgers. Why not send the workie for real world office experience.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Rugby Australia Sign First Dedicated Female Retailer
Don't know your Storms from your Wallaroos? At least you'll be sports sponsor aware with B&T's ongoing series.
Mars Agency Rebrands As Mars United Commerce
Tired of fielding prank calls about nougat & caramel, Mars Agency rebrands to the more long-winded Mars United Commerce.
Azerion Expands Platform With Interactive Video Products
Did your last inter-team marketing brainstorm see 'interactive video' come up more often than not? Read on quickly here.
Inside NGEN: Seven’s Rachael Everett On What We Can Learn From Sport
Were you the wheezy kid that always wagged PE at school? Even more reason not to avoid this lessons-in-sport piece.
Cairns Crocodiles The Work: Changing the World Campaign Presented By Pinterest
Casual dress & motley beards aside, did you join adland to try and change the world? Get tips from those who did here.
Nine And Magnite Strengthen Partnership To Boost 9Now
Nine calls in Magnite to sort out its BVOD programmatic ads. Not before having to switch the plugs from a Type C to a I.