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EU: Call to introduce common charger for all mobile phones

europarl.europa.eu

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Re: EU: Call to introduce common charger for all mobile phones

#3
Obviously a common charger would simplify things. We are already almost there.

But if the main goal is to reduce electronic waste then it won't change anything by itself because every device we buy comes with a charger, anyway. In order to reduce waste, purchases of devices and chargers should be decoupled (I don't need a new charger every time I change my phone). A universal charger would thus just be an enabler for that.

Re: EU: Call to introduce common charger for all mobile phones

#4
post #2

Feedback from Apple: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/... Roadmap and other feedback: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/...

Apple could easily make 2 types of iPhones and let users choose - USB-C or Lightning.

Re: EU: Call to introduce common charger for all mobile phones

#5

Obviously a common charger would simplify things. We are already almost there. But if the main goal is to reduce electronic waste then it won't change anything by itself because every device we buy comes with a charger, anyway. In order to reduce waste, purchases of devices and chargers should be decoupled (I don't need a new charger every time I change my phone). A universal charger would thus just be an enabler for…

Yeah but you tend to replace a cable every 2 years of so. Bricks are more durable tho.

Re: EU: Call to introduce common charger for all mobile phones

#6
post #2

Feedback from Apple: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/... Roadmap and other feedback: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/...

Apple could easily make 2 types of iPhones and let users choose - USB-C or Lightning.

Would a usb-c to lightning cable not solve this problem? The apple chargers are standard usb, modern phones sometimes come with a usb-c female plug. If we could just choose the cable required or no cable at all.

Re: EU: Call to introduce common charger for all mobile phones

#7
post #2

Feedback from Apple: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/... Roadmap and other feedback: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/...

Apple should be calm as they still ship recent iphones with lightning instead of USB-C My Macbook Pro uses USB C but it's useless until now except for charging my Macbook. I own it since 2016. Big fail.

Re: EU: Call to introduce common charger for all mobile phones

#8
post #2

Feedback from Apple: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/... Roadmap and other feedback: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/...

> "To be forced to disrupt this huge market"

surely that's a good thing

Re: EU: Call to introduce common charger for all mobile phones

#9
post #2

Feedback from Apple: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/... Roadmap and other feedback: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/...

Apple could easily make 2 types of iPhones and let users choose - USB-C or Lightning.

That depends on your definition of "easily".

Besides the logistical issues in producing, selling and marketing two different connector models, it also means third party accessories need to support these connectors. Want that new FLIR camera for your phone? Please choose between Model A or Model B.

One connector may also end up being the primary, where third parties only create versions of their hardware for that one due to the user share, effectively eliminating the other one and pissing of your customers.

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