Update | European Commission's universal charging port deliberations are to be finalized in June 2022

European Union (EU) lawmakers have been tipped to make charging solutions for personal devices constant across the region for some time, in a way that would oblige companies such as Apple to drop their proprietary connectors in favor of a common standard (more than likely USB type-C). Now, a new Reuters report asserts that this change in policy might come into force soon.

The EC is slated to meet on June 7, 2022, an event during which the charging-port-related issue might be broached and agreed on. The results of these discussions might have a significant effect on business for some companies, most notably Apple.

The Cupertino giant has publicly opposed the resolution as it would effectively bring an end to its ability to use the Lightning connector. This proprietary iPhone power and sync solution is often touted as the optimal system of ports and accessories for the mobile devices (not to mention a convenient and consistent source of MFi Program revenue for its owner).

However, should Apple lose the right to equip and ship it in the major market of the EU, it might be obliged to finally drop Lightning worldwide rather than spend the money on making some future iPhones compatible with something like type-C instead.

Nevertheless, the EC asserts that the positive impact on the world's burden of e-waste is worth Apple's potential discomfiture in this case. However, it may affect more OEMs than originally thought: according to Reuters, the Commission may introduce an amendment that might just require companies to make more laptops type-C as well.

Many PCs have already switched to the standard; however, alternatives such as barrel connectors still prevail as some machines' power requirements still exceed the capabilities of type-C. Therefore, Apple just might find more allies against the potential Lightning-port ban soon.