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EU Proposes New Legislation That Would Force Apple to Bring USB-C to iPhones, iPads, and AirPods
Apple has shifted nearly every portable device to tout a USB-C port, except for its iPhone lineup, its AirPods family, and low-cost iPad. Why the company does not shift to an all-USB-C affair might have to do with receiving royalty payments from partners that manufacture third-party accessories of the proprietary port, but that arrangement might come to an end, thanks to a legislation from the EU.
The proposed legislation would force all consumer electronics, not just Apple, which sell devices in Europe, to incorporate USB-C ports in a variety of products, ranging from smartphones, tablets, headphones, cameras, portable speakers, handheld consoles, and others. Calling it the 'common port,' the European Union claims that switching all products to USB-C would not just have benefits to the environment, but annual monetary savings for consumers that mount to $293 million.
Impact assessment study on common chargers of portable devices
Also at Reuters, NYT, BBC, AppleInsider, and Politico.
Previously: The Dream Of A Common Charger Is Alive, Despite Apple's Complaining
(Score: 3, Insightful) by DannyB on Thursday September 23 2021, @07:33PM (1 child)
I wouldn't have a problem with two standards that would leapfrog each other, say every ten years.
But I would have a problem allowing a specific manufacturer (eg Apple, or others) to have their own standard.
So today the two standards could be, say: USB B Micro, and USB C.
Tomorrow USB C would be the old standard, and something else (USB D?) would become the new standard.
Even if you mandate a single standard, eventually a newer superior standard will emerge thus creating the situation I just described.
But imagine if one standard could be the top standard for ten years, and then the older obsolete standard for another ten years. Most people would be happy to be able to not have to replace cables, chargers, multi-port chargers, battery packs, and countless accessories for up to twenty years.
If you think a fertilized egg is a child but an immigrant child is not, please don't pretend your concerns are religious
(Score: 3, Informative) by DeathMonkey on Friday September 24 2021, @03:29PM
Apple doesn't even have a standard amongst Apple products!