Go green. Legislation is no longer content to defend consumers against the wishes of smartphone manufacturers. She tries to encourage them to eco-responsible practices. Removal of hands-free kits, single charging port and removable batteries are the latest constraints planned by Paris and Brussels.
Earbuds again optional
The news has gone under the radar a bit, but smartphone manufacturers no longer have the obligation to integrate a pair of headphones with their new products in France since November 2021, just a year after being forced to do. So decided by Parliament in the name of reducing the environmental footprint of digital technology. Manufacturers therefore have the option of whether or not to integrate a hands-free kit with their terminals, which is not really a constraint…
USB-C everywhere in 2024
On the charger side, Europe would like to impose a single connector by 2024: USB-C. While in 2009 there were around thirty types of chargers, there are only three left: Apple’s Lightning port, USB-C and Micro USB. Through a directive of September 2021, Brussels wants to see all electronic devices adopt USB-C. Apple, whose Lightning port would equip a billion terminals in the world, defends itself by arguing that such a project goes against innovation…
Europe would also like to require manufacturers to sell their smartphones without a charger in the box, which would save 1,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year on the old continent. Two constraints at once.
Towards removable batteries?
To go even further in the protection of the environment and the reduction of electronic waste, the European Parliament would examine the possibilities of imposing on smartphone manufacturers that the battery of their terminals become removable. And this, by 2024. The game is far from won on this point, especially since this would suppose that mobile terminals lose their sealing. In the meantime, a public consultation is open online until April 5 and allows everyone to express themselves on this subject…
Source: 20minutes
