The UK will not follow the EU’s example and will require smartphone manufacturers – including Apple – to include a common charging cable in their products.
Earlier this week, European lawmakers confirmed that most types of consumer electronics would do so contain a USB Type-C connector, citing significant amounts of e-waste caused by unused chargers and the inconvenience faced by Android and iPhone users who need different cables for different devices.
The regulations apply to smartphones, tablets, e-readers, earphones, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers, while laptops must be adapted within 40 months of the regulations coming into effect. Wireless charging is not covered but could be added at a later date.
Finally a Brexit dividend?
The EU says its new rules will benefit consumers, saving them €250m a year and avoiding 11,000 tonnes of e-waste.
However, the UK government, perhaps desperate to stress that Britain is free from alleged Brussels “bureaucracy” in a post-Brexit world, has said it “is not currently considering” following suit. Despite this attitude, UK consumers are likely to be affected.
Under the terms of the EU exit agreement, the arrangements would apply to Northern Ireland. In the meantime, manufacturers must either adapt their designs or release special models for the European market to comply with the regulations. In either scenario, these devices could be stocked on UK shelves.
Critics of EU rules argue they stifle innovation. Apple, which will be disproportionately affected by the directive due to its proprietary Lightning interface. Apple has consistently opposed any regulation, arguing that it would result in a huge amount of e-waste when consumers dispose of their old Lightning chargers.
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