According to the latest report, the European Union today finally approved legislation that will force technology companies such as Apple to switch to the USB-C interface on its various devices.
According to the official EU press release, the European Council today approved the European Parliament’s new regulations for universal chargers, finalizing the legislative process, which means that by the end of 2024, the USB-C interface will become a series of mobile phones, tablets, and headphones.
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Mandatory for electronic devices, users no longer need to buy a different charger every time they buy a new phone or similar device, all of which can be charged using the same charger.
The new rules will force all electronic devices to use a USB-C charging port, meaning most devices can be charged from the same charger. Additionally, to let consumers know exactly what they’re buying, the new rule introduces an icon specifying whether a new device has a charger and a sticker indicating charging performance.
The new rules also allow consumers to choose whether to buy new devices with or without chargers, which not only saves consumers money but also reduces e-waste associated with the production, shipping, and disposal of chargers. Four years after the new rules go into effect, the commission will assess whether such sales bundling should be enforced.
Moreover, the new regulations will apply to a variety of portable devices:
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cell phone
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Tablets and eReaders
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Digital cameras and video game consoles
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Headphones, Earbuds, and Portable Speakers
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Wireless Mouse and Keyboard
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Portable Navigation System
In 2020, EU consumers bought around 420 million electronic devices, with an average of three chargers per person. Still, 38% of consumers report having problems charging their devices because no compatible chargers are available.
To address these issues, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a universal charger on September 23, 2021. On January 26, 2022, less than six months after the Council began negotiations, member states unanimously agreed on the Council’s position on the new regulation for common chargers.
On June 7, 2022, the Council and the European Parliament reached an interim agreement on the new regulation for universal chargers, which was approved by representatives of EU member states on June 29, 2022.
