According to a recent proposed legislation, smartphone manufacturers may have to start providing three years of significant Android updates and five years of security fixes in the European Union. With the help of prolonged software support, the suggested adjustments might extend the lifespan of smartphones and other gadgets to up to 5 years, which is believed to be the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off the road. The window for member country feedback has already been shut down by the European Commission. It is currently taking public comments until September 28.
In order to lessen e-waste, the European Commission has reportedly suggested certain rules aimed at Android smartphone manufacturers, according to a report by 9to5Google citing a draught regulation draught regulation. According to the study, the commission has recommended that throughout the European Union and its member states, smartphone brands and manufacturers begin offering three years of significant updates or Android version updates, as well as five years of Android security patches.
According to the draught legislation, the change will extend phone lifespan to five years, which is the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off the road. The anticipated update schedule, according to the report, is comparable to that provided by Google for its Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones. Additionally, the commission has suggested that businesses provide repair and after-sales services for at least 5 years.
Additionally, the European Commission has suggested that all smartphone manufacturers install batteries that can maintain at least 83 percent of their rated capacity after 500 charge cycles and 80 percent after 1,000 cycles.
As of right present, only Apple asserts that after 500 recharge cycles, iPhone models' batteries can still hold up to 80% of their rated capacity. The commission is presently taking public comments through September 28 and plans to put the new guidelines into effect by 2024.
According to reports, the European Union reached an agreement in June that requires all smartphone manufacturers to switch to the USB Type-C connection. In place of its proprietary Lightning connector, Apple is rumoured to switch to supplying iPhone models in the European Union with a USB Type-C port starting in 2024.
