The European Union will require all cell phones, tablets and other electronic devices to have a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024, meaning Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad will have to ditch Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. company.
European policymakers have wanted a single standard for more than a decade, citing significant amounts of e-waste caused by unused chargers and the inconvenience suffered by Android and iPhone users who need different cables for different devices.
It decided to legislate after becoming frustrated with the industry’s lack of progress in finding a compromise.
One charger to rule them all
The new rules cover e-readers, headsets, digital cameras, headsets and headphones, handheld game consoles and portable speakers, while laptops will have to be retrofitted within 40 months of the entry into force of the rules. rules. Wireless charging is not covered but can be added later.
The new rules will also give consumers the option to choose a charger when purchasing a new device. The EU says its new regulations will encourage the reuse of charging equipment, saving consumers €250 million a year and preventing 11,000 tonnes of e-waste.
“Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe,” said Alex Agius Saliba, the European Parliament’s rapporteur on the matter. European consumers have long been frustrated with multiple chargers piling up with each new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics.”
The use of USB-C will disproportionately affect Apple, which will either have to create a special edition of its products for Europe, or be forced to change the design for all markets around the world. Apple has persistently opposed any mandate, arguing that it would lead to a massive amount of e-waste as consumers discard their old Lightning chargers.
Through Reuters (opens in new tab)
