Europe vs America tech war looms as Apple oppose EU rule on Type C chargers

Apple is not satisfied with a new rule proposed by the European Commission (EC), a development that may cause an Europe-America tech war..

The EC, the European Union (EU) executive branch, wants manufacturers to create a universal charging solution for phones and small electronic devices.

The proposal demands that phones sold in the EU have USB-C (Type C) chargers. It applies to smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and video game consoles.

However, earbuds, smart-watches and fitness trackers were exempted due to technical reasons such as size and use conditions.

The proposal will make fast charging mandatory to ensure devices are capable charging quicker within the same speeds.


It seeks to reduce waste by encouraging consumers to re-use existing chargers when buying a new device.

Apple, an American multinational and the world’s most valuable company, has warned that the EC move would deter innovation.

“We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world,” Apple told BBC.

Apple, whose iPhone series have a custom charging port, disclosed that plans are underway to make every device and usage carbon neutral by 2030.


Major rival Samsung and other Android phones come with USB micro-B charging ports or the more modern Type C standard.

EC Vice President Margrethe Vestager said they gave companies ample time to proffer their own solutions, insisting the time for a common charger is now.

“This is an important win for our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions”, Vestager noted

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