- The European Union is moving forward on a long-standing push to standardize device charging ports - a move that's largely a setback for Apple (AAPL +0.7%), whose iPhones have long used a proprietary port.
- The EU is proposing that USB-C become the standard connection for smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld videogames.
- Most Android-based (GOOG +0.8%, GOOGL +0.8%) devices are now charged via USB-C (and previously, USB micro-B). Meanwhile, iPhones have long been charged via Apple's Lightning cables - creating a lucrative secondary market in cables and port adapters.
- And Apple argues against the EU recommendation, saying "mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world."
- But the European Commission says a decade of talks have reduced the number of mobile phone chargers to three from a previous 30, and that it's acting on consumer and environmental concerns (including €250 million in annual consumer savings).
- The EC's Thierry Breton says it's his job to "kill off these sea snakes whenever I can," and "I have known these companies for years. Every time we put (forward) a proposal, they start to say 'oh, it will be against innovation.' No, it's not against innovation, it's not against anyone. Like everything the Commission does, it's for consumers."
- If the proposal is approved by EU member states and lawmakers, companies will have two years to adapt devices.