CHARGING TROUBLE

The European Union is proposing a requirement for all electronic devices to use a common charging port, posing the latest hurdle from the commission for Apple, which uses its own signature port on its products.

The European Commission announced the plans Thursday to create a “harmonised” charging technology, with USB-C becoming the standard port for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld video game consoles.

The commission said the plan will help consumers and reduce electronic waste.

“We gave industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger. This is an important win for our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions,” Europe’s antitrust chief, Margrethe Vestager, said in a statement.