The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs has written to companies and other interested parties to invite them to come up with ideas for a single charging cord for all of your gadgets. Although it is not currently conceivable, a single charger for your iPhone, Android tablet, and Windows 11 laptop may be available in the future.
The ministry’s action is in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement of the LiFE (Living for the Environment) idea at the UN Climate Change Conference (CoP 26) held in Glasgow in November of last year. Additionally, India’s amended Nationally Determined Contribution has been approved by the Union Cabinet (NDC). India has promised to cut its GDP’s emission intensity by 45% by 2030, according to the NDC. The ministry has taken action to reduce electronic waste in light of the nation’s commitment to combating climate change.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh stated in a letter to the industry and other stakeholders that it has been noted that consumers are need to acquire a separate charger and cable every time they buy a new device due to the incompatibility of charging ports between old and new gadgets. According to the letter, consumers not only experience discomfort, but this also increases needless e-consumption. The government wants to consider ways to eliminate the duplication of several charges in each home based on this justification.
On August 17, the meeting will take place. The government has invited stakeholders and representatives from trade associations.
Apple would be the most affected company, especially in the phone market, if there were a rule mandating a single charger for all phones, laptops, headphones, etc.
With regard to the top five smartphone manufacturers in India, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Realme, Apple’s Lightning port stands in stark contrast to their products. Each of the five now uses a phone with a Type-C charging port. The chargers can be used interchangeably, even if the charging speeds enabled by each device may vary given that the majority feature a Type-C connection at the bottom.
In fact, in the interest of environmental sustainability, several companies, like Samsung, have completely eliminated chargers and connections from their products. The supposition is that most consumers already have older Type-C chargers lying around their homes, which work with both older and newer phones.
One charger for all gadgets is not a novel concept. The European Union also put up a proposal for it in June. The argument once more focused on the issue of e-waste and the need for users to purchase several chargers. The new regulations won’t take effect until the law is passed, which is anticipated to happen this year, according to reports.
The iPhone’s port being changed by Apple is not altogether unexpected. When Apple first launched the Lightning port in 2015, it took place. Additionally, having a common port for all important goods may provide for a better ecosystem fit as the iPad and MacBook already enable Type-C charging.
For a time now, there have been discussions about Apple switching to Type-C ports for the iPhones. Although it is not anticipated to happen this year, if these regulations are approved, Apple may have to make the change in 2023.
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