The European Parliament vote will force Apple to use USB-C interface to reduce e-waste

The European Union has proposed to let all manufacturers use the USB-C interface many years ago so that charging cables with the same interface can be used. Over the years, most manufacturers have accepted the European Union’s proposal to use the USB-C interface, but Apple has so far used its own proprietary interface.

The good news is that the European Union has now passed a new law requiring manufacturers to use the USB-C interface, and even Apple’s previous objections have not prevented the bill. According to the latest news published on the official website of the European Commission, the current vote on the new bill has reached results, including 582 votes in favor and only 40 votes against. This means that a new law forcing manufacturers to use the USB-C interface to reduce e-waste is officially passed, and all manufacturers will need to comply with this decree. This new law helps users to use the same interface data cable instead of buying separately, which greatly reduces the user’s cost of use and also reduces waste.

“Lightning cable”by robpegoraro is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In 2016, 12.3 million tons of e-waste was generated in Europe, which is equivalent to 16 kg of e-waste generated by each EU citizen in 2016. Letting all devices use the USB-C interface uniformly helps to increase the use of data cables, reduce waste in data cables, and protect the environment.

Although Apple is very reluctant to abandon its own Lighting interface and data cable, Apple must also comply with EU regulations after the EU introduces a new law. This means that at least Apple will use the USB-C interface on the iPhone in the EU. In the end, all iPhones may use the USB-C interface. At that time, whether it is a smartphone or a computer, this interface will be used for charging.

Of course, Apple has not issued any response to the passage of the bill, but even if Apple does not want it, there is no way, unless it does not operate in the EU market.

Via: TechCrunch