Legislators in the European Union have struck an agreement on legislation that would require all future cellphones sold in the EU — including Apple’s iPhone — to feature the universal USB-C connection for wired charging by the fall of 2024. Other electronic gadgets, including tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable video game consoles, and e-readers, will be subject to the ban. Laptops will be required to comply with the requirement at some point in the future.
The law has been in the works for more than a decade, but it was only this morning that multiple EU authorities came to an agreement on its scope.
In a press statement, European Parliament rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba remarked, “Today we have made the universal charger a reality in Europe!” “Multiple chargers stacking up with every new gadget has long been a source of frustration for European customers.” They’ll be able to charge all of their portable equipment with a single charger now.” The bill also includes measures to handle future wireless chargers and to harmonize fast-charging standards.
The EU Parliament and Council must still pass the law later this year, although this looks to be a formality. The European Parliament announced in a news release that the regulation would be in force “by fall 2024,” and that all gadgets covered by the law and marketed in the EU must utilize USB-C for wired charging by that date.
The EU’s implementation of a “common charger” is an attempt to reduce e-waste while also making life easier for customers. Lawmakers anticipate that in the future, phones and other electronic devices will not need to come with a charger since purchasers would already have the necessary components at home. According to the EU, the regulation may save customers 250 million euros a year on “unnecessary charger purchases” and reduce e-waste by 11,000 tons each year.
To read our blog on “Anker claims that its new USB-C hub allows M1 MacBooks to connect to three external displays,” click here.
