Apple may be forced to ditch Lightning connector in Europe due to new EU ... - Express.co.uk

The consumer protection committee in Brussels have voted to standardise smartphone connectors in the Eurozone in an effort to reduce waste.

The iPhone and iPad maker use a specially designed connector, used with models beginning with the iPhone 5, that links with charges and accessories.

If the EU proposals are passed Apple could be forced to stop selling the Lightning adaptor in Europe.

A statement from the EU committee said it: "'will decide later whether to start informal negotiations with the Council in order to seek an early first-reading agreement."

The Lightning connector was introduced in September 2012 and is used with the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S.

The connector is smaller than the previous 30 pin adaptor and the Lightning to USB cable costs around £15 when bought separately.

The EU proposal, despite being voted unanimously for, has not been passed as a law yet.

If it is industry experts tip that a microUSB connector will become the standard, which is used by the majority of Android and Windows phones.

via apple - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNF_DKc1sVKsucZIqFuFZw6Wzo7bbg&url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/science-technology/433420/Apple-may-be-forced-to-ditch-Lightning-connector-in-Europe-due-to-new-EU-proposal