The only certainty seems to be that universal charging standards will take a long time to spread

The only certainty seems to be that universal charging standards will take a long time to spread

Problems such as these make the EU's overall project seem untenable, and the range of possible options being considered means it has been unable to implement any agreements, let alone legislate, since the memorandum of understanding was signed in 2009.

At the heart of the issue remains Apple's argument about e-waste and stifling innovation. "We believe that further harmonisation will lead to greater consumer convenience," the commission said in its report. Because they can charge not only their phone, but possibly other portable devices that use public cables and chargers, and have the option to keep their current charger and buy a phone without one at a lower price."

According to the Commission's preliminary analysis, the solution is also expected to reduce the number of counterfeit chargers on the market, which in turn will help reduce e-waste.

However, the same report specifically notes that if it succeeds in preventing phone manufacturers from always providing their own chargers, counterfeits will increase, which in turn will lead to increased sales of unsafe or counterfeit chargers. At the same time, any further harmonisation should not limit innovation, namely the development and promotion of a new generation of chargers.

Given that, it's not very clear what will happen next, and the only certainty seems to be that universal charging standards will take a long time to roll out.