The European Union’s bid to adopt a common charging port for mobile phones, tablets and headsets took a step forward on Wednesday when an EU think tank backed the proposal, paving the way for for an assembly vote next month.
The European Commission suggested a single mobile charging port more than a decade ago, hoping that phone makers would be able to find a common solution. Last year he proposed draft legislation, a world first, after they failed.
The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament approved the Commission’s proposal on Wednesday.
Apple iPhones are charged with a Lightning cable, while devices with the Android operating system are powered by USB-C connectors. The majority of phones sold in the EU are Android devices.
“With 500 million chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating between 11,000 and 13,000 tons of electronic waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium-sized electronic devices would benefit everyone,” said Alex Agius Saliba, who directs the debate in Parliament.
The parliamentary committee wants the USB-C port to be the standard for mobile phones, tablets, headphones, e-readers, low-power laptops, keyboards, computer mice, headphones, smart watches and electronic toys.
Apple has said the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of waste if consumers were forced to switch to new chargers.