Subscribe For Free
FOLLOW US

European Parliament votes in favour of banishing Apple’s Lightning cable

Paul Lipscombe
January 31, 2020

Apple first introduced the Lightning cable in 2012 and are expected to fight back against the vote

Apple could be forced to ditch its Lightning cable in European markets following an overwhelming vote held by the European Parliament lobbying for a universal phone charger.

The vote saw members of the European Parliament decide in favour of a common universal charger with a result of 582-40.

The European Parliament want Apple to adopt a more common charging port, with the USB-C a likely choice.

Apple first introduced the Lightning cable back in 2012 and have regularly resisted pressure to change to a more common charger.

But Apple will have to change future iPhones if they are to be sold within the European Union from later this year if the vote stands.

Only last week Apple hit back at the European Parliament’s plans, Esaying that innovation would be halted and any move would cause a huge amount of electronic waste.

In a statement Apple said: “We believe 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. We do not believe there is a case for regulation given the industry is already moving to the use of USB Type-C through a connector or cable assembly.”

It is expected that the changes will take place later this year, as EU officials weigh up a decision to send a bill to the European Parliament to place in EU legislation.

Share this article