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The European Parliament is fed up with e-waste—in particular, charging cables. To fix the problem, lawmakers are debating a binding measure that would force gadget makers to use a standardised charging port.
This isn't the first time we've seen this from Europe. One reason why microUSB is so prevalent is back in 2009, the European Commission pushed for it as a universal standard on the continent. Even Apple, the notorious standout in the world of proprietary chargers, acquiesced and made available a microUSB adaptor. (Of course, it was Europe-only).
Once that initiative expired in 2014, European lawmakers tried again to force a common charger, reiterating that it would be not only convenient for consumers, but would also limit e-waste.
The only problem was the initiative called for a "voluntary approach"—a strategy that in a briefing, the European Parliament said has "not yielded the desired results" and "fell short of the co-legislators' objectives." And, while the briefing doesn't specify exactly what port type it has in mind, at this point, USB-C is the likeliest contender.
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In 2018, European lawmakers conducted an inception impact assessment [PDF] on the idea of a common charger and called for feedback from manufacturers. In January last year, Apple provided it.In its statement, Apple contends that "regulations that would drive conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones freeze innovation rather than encourage it. Such proposals are bad for the environment and unnecessarily disruptive for customers."
(Score: 3, Insightful) by ilsa on Thursday January 16 2020, @03:49PM (1 child)
The problem is Apple's motivations.
There was no reason whatsoever that Apple couldn't have kept going with Magsafe. It was, and still is, the single best power connector ever invented IMO. But Apple has high margins on their accessories, and forcing people to buy new power supplies instead of reusing old ones, makes them more money. They chose to move away from MagSafe by their own volition.
Look at their iPhones. They still use lightning cables that end in USB-A ports. Why? Because now you have to buy another accessory, either a USB-C to A adaptor, or a whole new cable.
Apple's connector choices have nothing to do with value or functionality to their consumers, and everything to do with lining their own pockets.
So as far as I'm concerned, they've forfeited their right to complain.
Also... You can get things like this: https://mashtips.com/magnetic-usb-c-adapters/ [mashtips.com]
(Score: 5, Insightful) by DannyB on Thursday January 16 2020, @04:45PM
I would add . . .
If Apple wanted the Mag Safe connector to become the standard, they would make it available royalty free without licensing. But Apple has never been about industry standards. It always goes its own way, sometimes a superior way, but doesn't encourage they way becoming a standard.
And I say that as a once long ago, longtime classic Mac developer and once card carrying Apple fanboy(tm). But no more.
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