Earlier in June this year, the European Union (EU) was looking to mandate the use of the USB-C port in the region for devices like smartphones, tablets, e-readers, laptops, and more. Now, it looks like companies like Apple will be forced to make the shift to USB-C, at least in the countries in the Union after they approved the ruling.
An overwhelming majority in the European Parliament passed the reform today making USB-C connectors the standard across the 27 nations of the Union starting autumn of 2024 onwards.
EU reform to force gradual phase-out
Under the reform, mobile phones and other devices sold after autumn 2024 should be compatible with a single charger. This includes laptops starting in 2026, giving tech companies time to adapt, adopt, and apply changes.
Alex Agius Saliba, the lawmaker that filed the reform, noted at a news conference that the change is expected to have a gradual phase-out of older devices. He also stated that totally outlawing older chargers will have a larger impact on consumers and the environment.
The European Commission estimated that having a single charger would help consumers save around EUR 250 million (that’s around PHP 14.6 billion).
With most Android phone manufacturers shifting to USB-C ports in the past years, Apple is expected to be the most affected by this reform with it sticking to its Lightning connector for iPhones including the latest iPhone 14 series.
According to a 2019 Commission study, half the chargers with smartphones in 2018 had a USB-micro B connector, 29% had a USB-C connector, and 21% were Apple’s Lightning connector.
Companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Apple have yet to comment on the new legislation, as of writing this article though.
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
