EU rules to force USB-C chargers for all phones

"Manufacturers will be forced to create a universal charging solution for phones and small electronic devices, under a new rule proposed by the European Commission (EC).

The aim is to reduce waste by encouraging consumers to re-use existing chargers when buying a new device.
All smartphones sold in the EU must have USB-C chargers, the proposal said.

Apple has warned such a move would harm innovation..."

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-58665809

 

While I am all for industry standards, what this is going to do is allow device makers to NOT include chargers with their devices - with the marketing hype, "And you get to use your own existing chargers!"

"And if you don't have a charger, we will gladly sell you one, at a nice profit for us."

 

"Apple has warned such a move would harm innovative ways of extracting money from consumers ..."

Fixed that.

 

We're past that. My S21 Ultra had no charger.

@Daveski17
Looks about right to me.

 

Universality isn't liked by manufacturers. I have three Amazon devices that require three separate chargers.

 

The convenience of universal as in not tethered or forced to a personal designated type of charger can been beneficial if not cost saving for some. Depending on the user's side of finding one that best suites their satisfaction and price. The other matter which does arise as pointed out is that while it may appear practical, and indeed is on reducing waste, that also removes the free access for those who need not have to pin down sellers of one that only works for their device. And the maker and distributor's need to consider a fair exchange as in price. Let's see how well or not that pans out.

 

As it should be, why make 100 million chargers a year when you only have to make 5 million ( just an example)? The planet does have limited resources.

 

I agree but even worse is the ongoing marketing that encourages you to get a new phone every year. How much waste does it make to produce millions of phones per year? Most of these could probably be updated well beyond the length of time the manufacturers want you to keep them.

 

- For once, I agree with the European Commision. It would make life much more easier for us consumers / users of electronic devices.
- "This would harm innovation" ? Yeah, sure. and I was born yesterday. right ?
- I can imagine a reason why Apple is "not happy". I assume that Apple makes a tonne of money by selling those chargers. Especially when I look at the price of those chargers and then see what kind of electronic components are in those chargers. The profit margins are /seem to be HUGE !!!
- When do our representatives at the state and the federal level are taking action to minimize electronic waste ? Or are they too much in the pocket of the manufacturers of electronic devices (like Apple) ?

 

It's all about consumer lock-in. That's all. Extracting money from a consumer tied to a specific product. Or more like extracting the urine as we say in my country. The same sort of arguments were used by individual manufacturers against Bluetooth IIRC.

 

+1

 

You are right. I have seen this too. I should have said more and more device makers will stop including chargers.

LOL I find that funny. USB (universal serial bus) is not "universal". Just look at all the incompatible "universal" USB connectors.

 

A cordless charger is less efficient than one with a cord.

 

Pretty much this. Man at this point I just want to ditch phones for good.

 

It's pretty much the Wild Wild West when it comes to gobs of wannabee easy money makers but some shine.

For example over 3 years ago ran across a compact power pack the size of a cigarette box. That little power pack completely charges any wireless handset (provided you use a matched connector cord) and is a dream when your out and about with no outlet nearby and away from your vehicle. Handiest little thing i ever run across.

 

Agreed, but not sure how it relates to what I posted. Just want to make sure I didn't miss something.