Dear European Union...
Why making USB-C charging mandatory on smartphones is bad for innovation.
The EU has passed legislation that makes it mandatory for all future smartphones sold to be equipped with USB-C by fall 2024. This includes the iPhone, which has used Apple’s lightning port since 2012. The EU is justifying the new law by claiming it could save consumers 250 million euros annually on “unnecessary charger purchases” and cut down on approximately 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
Apple, which sold over 50 million iPhones in the EU last year, has been vocal about its opposition to the new legislation saying, “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.”
I agree with Apple. This legislation can only cause harm by setting a dangerous precedent that allows governments to tell innovative companies what features their products must possess. It’s a hodgepodge of nothingness that will accomplish none of the EU’s stated goals for the following reasons:
Apple was inevitably going to switch its iPhone from lightning to USB-C. There have been rumors about this for years.
When the transition to USB-C occurs, all lightning-compatible accessories will be irrelevant and eventually find their way to a landfill creating tons of e-waste.
For a relatively short period of time, most devices will use USB-C until another more efficient and faster-charging method arises and sends all USB-C compatible accessories to a landfill.
EU consumers may save money on unnecessary charging purchases, but iPhones come with a charger. Hence, the same amount of waste is being produced since consumers only need to spend money on a new one if they break or lose their charger.
Apple has valid arguments for going against the grain of the tech world and sticking with its proprietary lightning connector for the last decade.
Lightning is potentially more durable since the connecting tabs are on the cable, whereas with USB-C the connecting tab is in the connector (within the device). If the tabs break on lightning, you simply need a new cable. On USB-C you need a costly repair or potentially a replacement.
USB-C ports are larger, potentially compromising battery size. This could result in a thicker device to house the same size battery that is currently used.
Governments should not be arrogant, asserting their powers to babysit some of the world’s most valuable and innovative companies by introducing legislation that will be remembered for stifling growth and innovation. To allocate resources towards something so insignificant is irresponsible. Apple has already stated and proven its environmental commitment by taking actions like shipping devices without a charging block to condense packaging, much to the dismay of its users. Apple does not need its hand held by the EU.