The European Parliament has issued a press release confirming that it’s settled on making a common charger mandatory for a range of mobile devices. These include mobile phones, tablets, cameras, and handheld gaming consoles, all of which must be equipped with USB-C charging ports by Autumn 2024. The EU has decided upon establishing a single charging solution for select devices in order to make products “more sustainable, to reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier.” Apple is significantly impacted by this agreement, as its iPhones have leveraged the proprietary Lightning connector since 2012. Recent reports have suggested that Apple has already begun testing iPhones with USB-C ports.
We have a deal on the #CommonCharger! 🇪🇺
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) June 7, 2022
More savings for EU consumers & less waste for the planet:
🔌 mobile phones, tablets, cameras… will have #USBtypeC
🔌 harmonised fast-charging technology
🔌 unbundling of sale of chargers
The EU general interest has prevailed! pic.twitter.com/i2UAE7kzyI
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturer. Laptops will also have to be adapted to the requirements by 40 months after the entry into force.
Source: European Parliament