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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: 2) by Rich on Friday September 24 2021, @01:06AM (4 children)
No need to redesign the standard. An outlet could be conceived that has a sprung shell around the holes. Because it will be impractical to have the shell extrude for as long as the prongs are (danger of break-off), the shell might just poke out 5 mm or so and close a contact when it is pushed in. Probably already exists. Or maybe not, because RCBOs are cheaper.
The idea of having half-coated prongs was invented at Braun (the famous design HiFi company) and from there found its way into the Europlug. I think the US prongs are too short for that sort of trick, but the English pride them of having the safest plug in the world (those with integrated fuse and switch, because of their obscure house-side ring-wiring) and use half-coating too. (However, anyone who ever has stepped on one such plug will reject the idea that it is safe...). For something entirely sane, I think Brazil has the lead, closely followed by Switzerland.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday September 24 2021, @09:42AM (2 children)
Looking at pictures, what makes Brazil's better than Australia's? Is it the round vs flat pins?
They both have plugs that cannot be inserted the wrong way when earthed, but Australia's cannot be inserted the wrong way even when using unearthed double-insulated plugs.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday September 24 2021, @03:34PM
Flip, flip, flip. That's the sound of an Australian plugging something in.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by Rich on Friday September 24 2021, @11:01PM
It's the compact size for the Brazil and Switzerland varieties. A single wall-position can take two (or even three) plugs. Otherwise most of the Europlug-compatible varieties would do as well.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday September 25 2021, @04:58AM
They have plugs with plastic covers over the top prongs. The major problem with them is that there are enough ungrounded US devices that they have to be designed so putting something in the left hole opens the shutter on the right and vice versa. This makes them both prone to shutters failing and difficult to open. Knowing about the problems and complaints in advance results in many (most?) electricians avoiding them where they aren't required by code.