iPhones may need redesign as EU pushes for common charger

People spend around €2.4bil (US$2.8bil/RM11.7bil) annually on standalone chargers not supplied with devices, the EU said. It forecasts a €250mil (RM1.2bil) saving every year as consumers avoid buying new chargers. — Bloomberg

Apple Inc may have to redesign its iPhones to use USB-C charging ports under draft rules from the European Union aimed at cutting waste and simplifying life for consumers owning multiple devices.

The European Commission said Thursday it wants a single type of charging port to be used for all smartphones and tablets as well as equipment such as cameras, some headphones, portable speakers and handheld video consoles.