A newly discovered feature with Apple Airpods allows users to users to listen into conversation from the next room. Some people are intrigued by this new function while others suggest it will cause problems.

Apple could be forced to change the iPhone cable yet again under new rules.

The tech giant may have to switch to USB-C cables — and ditch the hugely popular Lightning connector in Europe.

Apple would only be compelled to use this common charger in EU countries — but would likely do the same in the USA and globally anyway.

The EU is set to vote on the matter “at a future session”, but hasn’t confirmed a date, The Sun reports.

The switch would render current iPhone cables useless, and force fans to buy a new lead if they upgrade their handset.

The new iPhone cable would be Apple’s third in 13 years.

Apple’s first iPhones used the massive 30-pin dock connector, before the firm abruptly switched to lightning connectors in 2012.

The move made everybody’s old charging cables useless, and the same could happen again.

The EU has previously called for common chargers on phones, but now wants to enforce the ruling.

“To reduce electronic waste and make consumers’ life easier, MEPs want binding measures for chargers to fit all mobile phones and other portable devices,” the EU explained.

“A common charger should fit all mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers and other portable devices, MEPs will insist.

“According to estimates, old chargers generate more than 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year.”

If forced to create a USB-C iPhone, Apple would likely do so globally — to avoid creating different designs for non-EU countries.

Brexit is unlikely to prevent the change in the UK for the same reasons.

The most likely candidate for a new charger is USB-C.

It’s an increasingly popular type of charging and data transfer port that was launched in the middle of 2014.

The male end of the cable is a little thicker and much wider than Apple’s Lightning cables, but they largely perform the same job.

However, while Lightning ports are exclusively used on Apple devices, USB-C ports are now very common.

Most flagship Android phones now feature USB-C ports, including the Samsung Galaxy S10, Google Pixel 4, and OnePlus 7 Pro.

Apple has also adopted USB-C ports on several products, including new MacBooks and the iPad Pro.

Last year’s iPhone 11 cable also has a USB-C tip on one end, but still joins to the handset using a Lightning connector.

It’s also worth mentioning that Apple is rumoured to be adding USB-C connectors on the upcoming iPhone 12 anyway.

But Apple has previously spoken out against proposals to force common chargers across the industry.

“Regulations that would drive conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones freeze innovation rather than encourage it,” Apple’s Claire Darmon told the EU in 2019.

“Such proposals are bad for the environment and unnecessarily disruptive for customers.

In other news, Samsung is expected to reveal the world’s first 5G tablet in a matter of weeks.

The iPhone 12 could be the thinnest ever thanks to new screen technology.

And the new phone could also see through mist and fog thanks to rumoured ‘Spectral Edge’ camera integration.

This story was originally published in The Sun and is reprinted with permission.