EU rules that all phones must use the same type of charger.

The Independent UK has reported that the European Parliament has voted to force phone makers to ensure any phone produced is compatible with the  same charger. The proposal – which would almost certainly force iPhones to have a new charging plug – has been opposed by technology companies including Apple.

It was further reported that European politicians argued that the decision would make life easier for consumers, allowing them to avoid having to buy new wires and charge their devices with any plug.

The current situation results in "e-waste and consumer frustration" according to the motion approved by MEPs.

The new rules would force any company that makes small- or medium-sized electronic devices – including not only phones but tablets, e-readers, cameras and wearables such as the Apple Watch – to introduce a "common charger" that can be used across all devices, according to The Independent.

The motion makes no reference to what that charger could be but, according to the report, it would most likely be the new USB-C standard or something like it, meaning that Apple would have to change the port used in their iPhones.

European politicians passed the motion by 582 votes to 10.

The new motion, while it does not introduce any new rules, calls for the European Commission to examine new legislation and it has already suggested that it could introduce new rules forcing companies to adopt a single charger.

The Commission also suggested that companies should work to ensure they all use the same wireless charging standard.

That largely happens already, with most phone companies using the Qi standard.

If such a change were to happen, people would no longer need to get a new charger each time they buy a new device, the motion noted.