EU Lawmakers Rebuff Apple’s Criticism; Vote For Common Cable Standard

In a 582 to 40 overwhelming vote, the European Parliament wanted the European Commission to make sure that consumers will no longer buy a new charger each time they change their smartphone. The lawmakers also want the commission to table the legislation by July. A few days ago, Apple released a statement criticizing the EU's potential decision.

The EU's Decision

The European Parliament's vote was for an action to reduce e-waste. The resolution highlights that MEP's call for a single charger to all smartphones has been going on for more than a decade. Now, the parliament says there is an urgent need for the Eu to act on the issue and to "fully participate in an efficient and well-functioning internal market."

The resolution states that Europe alone generated 12.3 metric tons of e-waste in 2016, equivalent to 16.6 kg of e-waste per inhabitant. The parliament views this as an unnecessary footprint to the environment that "can be reduced." The approach of the European Commission to the charger e-waste issue is to put pressure on the industry to execute voluntary steps to minimize unnecessary options.

Apple's Previous Statement

The Cupertino tech giant went against propositions to make a universal charger for tablets, smartphones, and several other portable devices. In its statement, Apple said that it believes in innovations and is after customers' experience. Additionally, it felt that "regulation that forces conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, and would harm consumers in Europe and the economy as a whole."

The iPhone maker said it is hoping that the European Commission would continue to look for a solution that does not limit the ability of the industry to introduce exciting technology to customers. Apple has not yet released any statement regarding the latest ruling of the European Parliament. Meanwhile, the current coronavirus outbreak in China threatens to impact the supply chain of the Cupertino tech giant negatively.

Apple is 50 percent dependent in china in the manufacture and production of some of the components for a variety of its products. In Shanghai, the government already told public and private companies to shut down and resume operation on Feb. 9 to strengthen the control and prevention of the deadly virus.