Apple might not be keen on the idea, but the EU has seen its lawmakers vote overwhelmingly in favor of forcing companies to use the same charging cables for all of their devices.

The move will mean that companies cannot use proprietary cables as charging solutions for their devices, with Apple’s Lightning cable likely the main one that will require change here. Much of the competition now relies on USB-C.

Members of the European Parliament voted by 582-40 for a resolution urging the European Commission, which drafts EU laws, to ensure that EU consumers are no longer obliged to buy new chargers with each new device. The resolution said voluntary agreements in the industry had significantly reduced the number of charger types, but had not resulted in one common standard.

The new rules should come into play in July with the proposed charging options including micro-USB, USB-C, and Apple’s own Lightning connector. But given the fact that USB-C is the main player, especially when it comes to charging tablets and notebook computers, it’s likely that will be the one that wins out. It is, after all, very unlikely to be Apple’s Lightning.

Apple has predictably said that it isn’t a fan of the idea to force everyone to use the same connector, claiming that it will cause electronic waste and “greatly inconvenience users.”

Based on the EU vote of 582 to 40, it seems few agree with Apple.

(Source: Reuters)

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