“Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics," said Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba. “We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labelling for consumers.” Major smartphone brands, including Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Nokia, previously agreed to sign a voluntary memorandum to start using the same chargers in 2011 with the goal to reduce the variety of chargers. However, Apple introduced its Lightning port in 2012 and expanded MagSafe technology to wirelessly charge its iPhone 12 and above.
Could Apple go portless?
Speaking of wireless charging, previous rumors indicated the iPhone could go portless. This speculation was for the iPhone 13, which we now know didn’t come true. However, details emerged about a new recovery and software installation system that’s apparently in its early stages. According to the report, the new recovery method involves recovery over the internet via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth rather than a wired connection, so users won’t have to ship their device to Apple every time they need information restored. With Apple’s MagSafe, iPhones can wirelessly charge, too. There’s no telling when Apple may make the switch, or if it will go portless at all. Whatever case, the Lightning port will need to be ditched by 2024, meaning a USB-C iPhone will arrive soon enough.
