The EU (European Union) has passed a resolution with a resounding mandate to make USB Type-C charging for mobile phones a standard by the end of 2024. As per the resolution, all medium and small-sized electronic devices will have to come with USB-C charging ports in order to be sold in the EU.
Small and medium-sized consumer electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, headphones, and portable gaming devices, need to feature a USB Type-C port for charging.
Moreover, all mobile phones, earbuds, and tablets, with up to 100W of power delivery must have a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024. Laptops have been given some room, and they need to make the switch by spring 2026. Also, products that come onto the market before the deadline won't be affected.
This has been a long-pending issue in the EU, where everyone demanded a single charger for all electronic devices. Apparently, this is also a crucial part of the EU's larger efforts to reduce contributions to e-waste and promote the usage of eco-friendly or environmentally friendly choices.
Apple would be the most affected smartphone OEM because of the EU's USB-C mandate
While Android phones have long been using the USB Type-C charging port, this decision would mainly affect Apple, which is still using the slow and proprietary Lightning port (based on USB 2.0 speeds) on its iPhones. There are rumors that Apple is already testing USB-C for its future iPhones, which could arrive as early as 2023.
Under the new rules, consumers won't have to buy a new charger every time they purchase a new device, and they will be able to use the charger they used to charge their old devices. Some important titbits of the resolutions include that companies would be required to wait for EU approval before switching. Also, the resolution doesn't cover hardware that needs more than 100W of power.
