In what will most likely just affect iOS users, Switzerland has approved an ordinance calling for a universal phone charger by 2017. While they did not name exactly what kind of charger they will be naming as the standard, it makes a lot of sense that it will be microUSB since most of the platforms, especially the huge Android market, use this type of connector anyways. And so Apple products, which use lightning cables, will most likely have to do something to change.

This decision by the Federal Council comes after the European Union decided to also come up with a universal charger which all member countries have to apply and implement in their respective countries. While Switzerland is not part of the EU, it is a frequent trading partner with the member countries, and so it is not unexpected that they also want to apply an ordinance like this.

There is one main reason why countries in Europe are pushing for this legislation, and that is not because they hate Apple and want them to suffer. It is to reduce the quantity of chargers that is going around the market, especially since a lot of people have more than one device, but sometimes the chargers vary. Reducing the number of chargers will of course lead to less electronic waste.

Just like its European Union counterparts, Switzerland has until 2017 to put all the legislation and ordinances in place. That should also be enough time for OEMs and carriers to comply. Apple has already suggested that instead of replacing all lightning cables in the EU, they will introduce a lighting-to-micro-USB adapter for $19, but all phones that will be shipped to Europe will eventually be included.

SOURCE: Federal Portal of the Swiss Government

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