There are various mobile handsets available in the market today. These vary from regular cellphones, to feature and smartphones. However, their charging ports feature different types, shapes and connectors, which become an issue while hunting for a charger for a particular type. For instance, iPhone and Android have a completely different charging connector, while older cellphones like Nokia, Motorola, Sony and a few others have different ones. In fact, iPhone 4 (and earlier) and the iPhone 5 have completely different connectors too. These need to be standardised to avoid such complications.
According to a BBC report, European politicians have backed the idea of standardising the universal connector for chargers, which will force smartphone manufacturers to use just one type of charger. MEPs voted in favor of the move, and we could expect this to be in force post 2017.
The regulation was considered to help consumers cut down on the amount of electronic waste. The design favoured is the Micro USB connector, which is already implemented in most devices today.
Apple is yet to respond on the issue. It is one of the few manufacturers that produce proprietary power ports for their devices.
