Blow to Apple as EU backs universal phone charger

THE EU has formally approved new laws forcing tech companies to offer universal chargers, in a blow to Apple’s Lightning cables.

“Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one single charger for a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices,” the European Parliament said.

The EU will demand that new smartphones and tablets sold in the bloc are fitted with a USB-C charging socket.

While the rules will not apply to the UK, it may lead to Apple discontinuing its unique Lightning charging cables.

Apple is the main target of the new laws. While other mobile device makers, such as Samsung and Sony, have standardised on USB-C, the $2.34trillion (£2.05trillion) US company has resisted pressure from Brussels over its charging ports for more than a decade.

Earlier this year analysts speculated that Apple would ditch Lightning for USB-C in future iphone models by the second half of next year. The ipad and Mac laptop already include USB-C charging technology.

The EU rules have drawn criticism from some quarters that they risk stifling innovation.

Ben Wood, chief analyst of CCS Insight, hailed the EU vote as “a victory for common sense”.