For Apple, Europe's Phone Charger Reform Holds These Pros And Cons

The European Parliament approved new rules to introduce a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the European Union by 2024.
The landmark ruling will likely affect iPhone maker Apple more than its competitors, Reuters reports.
The vote confirms an earlier agreement among EU institutions and will make USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the EU standard, forcing Apple to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices.
Apple will likely be among the most affected among big providers of electronic devices to European customers. Still, analysts also expect a positive impact because it could encourage shoppers to buy the company's latest gadgets instead of those without USB-C.
The deal also covers e-readers, earbuds and other technologies, implying an impact on Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd SSNLF, Huawei Technologies Co, Ltd, and other device makers, analysts said.
The European Commission has estimated that the single charger would save about 250 million euros ($247.3 million) for consumers.
In June, a provisional EU agreement mandated smartphones and tablets to use a standard charger.
The agreement involved 15 product types, including headsets, video game consoles and headphones.
Brussels pushed for a single mobile charging port for over 10 years after complaints from Apple iPhone and Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL's Android users.
AAPL Price Action: AAPL shares traded higher by 1.87% at $145.12 premarket Tuesday.