Apple Products Set to Use Common Charging Point After EU Deal

All smartphones and tablets would have to use a common charger under a provisional European Union agreement clinched on Tuesday. The plan would force all companies--most notably Apple Inc.--to make phones, tablets, e-readers and digital cameras use the USB-C charger, negotiators announced. Around 15 product types are included in the scope, including headsets, video-game consoles and headphones. The plan, unveiled last year, was provisionally approved Tuesday and will save consumers an estimated 250 million euros ($267 million) each year according to the European Commission. The European Parliament and 27 EU countries need to sign off on the agreement.