this post was submitted on 17 Jun 2023
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Just replies to another comment to won’t paste again as that’s a bit spammy. But in short USB-A was already a de facto standard for charging. The bit on the end of the phone wasn’t really an issue and I’ve seen little evidence that it was an ewaste issue.
So we’re stuck with USB-C and can’t have whatever will inevitably come along that’s better sooner or later until the EU shift their view.
Basically either has no impact on ewaste or actually generates more waste and discourages further developments in port design.
The "bit at the end" definitely is an issue though. Thats where the interconnectedness between devices can happen. If you have to have the same end on one side, but a different on the other, its the same as having completely different ones. The problem being solved, is that now ALL cables will be used for ALL devices, not just charging blocks.
It was never about connecting between device though? I’m also not sure needing a cable for an Android with micro USB / USB-C and one for lightening is the dramatic issue some have made it out to be. Also I and many have loads of USB A chargers. Do they suddenly become waste? Or do I buy more cables and keep using them? Either way we have waste.
Thats not what I meant by interconnectedness, my mistake. What I meant is: having the same connectors on different devices. The issue solved is that nothing then has to become waste. If Apple decides to use a slightly different connector, and make their old one obsolete, then yes, it becomes waste. Of course technology evolves, but the usb-c standardisation is not meant to say "nobody can ever innovate", it just means that as long as it is in effect, predatory companies can no longer wall off themselves through non-sustainable, greedy business practices.