If European lawmakers act, Apple could be forced to abandon its Lightning connector cable. The cable is used to charge and synchronize many Apple devices, such as the iPhone. But MEPs on Monday urged the European Commission to force the tech giants to adopt a single universal charging method. Two other charging cables – USB-C and micro-USB – are used on Android devices, and Apple has stopped using Lightning on the 2018 iPad Pro. European regulators will vote on the issue at an unvested date, but Apple says the proposed rules will stifle innovation and undermine consumers. If regulators enforce their proposed regulations, apple devices sold in Europe will be required to adopt new charging method. Given that the company’s 2018 iPad Pro abandoned Lightning to support the technology, Apple is likely to adopt USB-C. Another possible option is to remove the charging port and cable altogether and instead wireless charging. A new cable will mark the tech giant’s third use in 13 years. Most newly manufactured Android phones already using Type-C cables. Trump launches new attack on Apple over privacy concerns Apple accused of cracking down on jailbreak Why does the EU want this change? For the past decade, the European Commission has been trying to adopt a single fee. There were more than 30 types of chargers on the market in 2009, but since then the number has been reduced to only three. Regulators are determined to reduce the amount of e-waste generated by obsolete cables, which is estimated to produce more than 51,000 tons of waste per year. Apple signed a memorandum of understanding in 2009 with the most of the company. They promise to provide consumers with micro-USB-compatible chargers. However, Apple exploited a loophole that allows manufacturers to continue using their chargers while providing adapters. Then, in 2014, the European Union adopted the Radio Equipment Directive, which called for the “redevelopment of universal chargers” .Apple insists its slim equipment will not be able to adapt to the new USB-C technology at the time, and says it will cost as much as $2bn (1.53bn pounds) to meet the required standards .Isn’t it wireless charging anyway? Apple and many of its competitors, such as Huawei and Samsung, have released products that can wirelessly charge their devices. Although the technology is still in its infancy, new developments mean it can now compete with traditional charging method. Some analysts even predict that Apple may cancel its charging ports altogether by releasing future models that rely solely on wireless charging for iPhones and iPads.
