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by Jan Johannsen
One plug to rule them all: the EU wants to make USB-C standard
24.9.2021
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
The EU Commission wants to make USB-C the standard port for smartphones and other devices. This mainly concerns Apple and could pave the way for a completely wireless iPhone. However, we’ll probably need to wait some time before that happens.
This planned EU legislation isn’t purely to spite Apple. It won’t just apply to smartphones, but also to handheld game consoles, digital cameras, headphones and portable speakers. The transition to USB-C isn’t yet as advanced for these devices as it is for smartphones. But still, iPhone’s Lightning connector might be the most prominent victim of this ruling.
Trying to find the right plug for 12 years
As early as 2009, 14 cell phone manufacturers agreed on Micro-USB as a standard connector under threat of EU regulation. Apple complied with the regulations at the time by including a Lightning-to-Micro USB adapter with the iPhone. A uniform standard followed in 2014 and has been in force since 2017. Since 2009, around 30 types of connectors all filtered down to three: USB-C, Micro-USB and Lightning.
Apple already uses USB-C, but so far only on MacBooks and almost all current iPads. One exception is the recently introduced 9th generation iPad. That essentially leaves only the iPhone, which still has a Lightning connector. Rumours that Apple might also switch it to USB-C have been around since the iPad Pro got its port for the first time. But so far, it’s only been whispers.
However, neither Apple nor any other manufacturer needs to get too nervous at the moment. The proposal submitted by the EU Commission still has to be approved by the European Parliament and the European Council. This can take several months. Once adopted, manufacturers will also be granted a transition period of two years. During this time, they can adapt their products to the new standards.
In other words, Apple should have time to integrate USB-C until the iPhone 16 releases. However, there’s a loophole to avoid using USB-C. Devices that can be charged wirelessly are allowed to not have a plug at all. This, of course, has fuelled the rumour mill: the iPhone could become completely wireless – without connectors for plugs.
A standard for fast charging
One thing that became somewhat lost in the reporting is that the EU Commission is also planning to standardise fast-charging technology. In this area, many manufacturers are currently using their own methods. As a result, you can only fast charge a smartphone with a specific producer’s power adapter. The Galaxy S21, for example, is a lame duck on OnePlus’ 65-Watt power supply.
Our EU Commission wants to ensure that the highest charging speeds are also available for devices from other manufacturers. The open standard «Power Delivery» is being envisaged. It will ensure that a device and its power supply can exchange data in order to charge the battery as quickly as possible. With this, you could then also charge other devices such as notebooks with a powerful smartphone charger.
Smaller boxes, less waste
The EU Commission expects its standards will reduce electrical waste. According to their calculations, 11,000 tons of chargers end up in the garbage unused in the European Union alone. They also expect smaller packaging, which in turn requires fewer raw materials. Some manufacturers have already reduced the size of their packaging, no longer including a power adapter with every smartphone. The EU wants to further promote this practice, its end goal being to unbundle the sale of chargers and electronic devices.
Criticism
The EU’s plans didn’t only trigger enthusiasm. For example, the German industry association Bitkom fears that the switch to USB-C could lead to devices with other plugs that are actually still usable being thrown away. According to Bitkom President Bernhard Rohleder, other measures are better suited to preventing e-waste. As an example, he cites extending the useful life of a smartphone through power-saving settings and protective films and covers.
A second major criticism is the threat to technology openness. Defined standards make it impossible for manufacturers to develop new and, ideally, better technologies.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
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