Europe will standardise phone chargers in 2024, forcing Apple to use USB-C.

myDelsu News Staff

206 2 minutes read

The European Parliament voted to establish an EU-wide charging outlet for mobile phones.

By the year 2024, all mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and cameras, will be required to charge using USB-C ports, which are now the industry standard for charging Android devices.

Because Apple devices have the company’s exclusive Lightning connector, this move will have significant repercussions for the company.

In addition to mobile phones, the law will also apply to ear buds, e-readers, and a wide variety of other electronic gadgets. This means that Samsung and Huawei could also be impacted by the rule.

A standard EU charger may potentially save consumers approximately €250 million (or £219 million), according to prior statements made by the European Commission.

Back in June, the government of the United Kingdom announced that it had no intention of following the European Union’s example and adopting a standard charging cord.

However, according to the provisions of the Brexit agreement that was negotiated with the EU, it would be applicable in Northern Ireland. This ensures that the region, unlike the rest of the UK, will continue to be a part of the single market for goods.

Apple, Samsung, and Huawei have not yet issued a statement regarding the reform, which was approved by the parliament with an overwhelming majority of 602 votes in favour to only 13 against.

Apple has already issued a warning against taking such a step, noting that it would hinder innovation and produce enormous amounts of waste electronic equipment.

Users of iPhones and Android phones have been heard to moan for years about having to purchase separate chargers for their respective devices, which has led to the discussion about the possibility of a universal charger.

According to the most recent available data, fifty percent of the chargers packaged with mobile phones sold in 2018 were equipped with a USB micro-B connector, while twenty-nine percent of the chargers included a USB-C connector and twenty-one percent featured an Apple Lightning connector.

Alex Agius Saliba, a member of the European Parliament, has stated that “the common charger will finally become a reality in Europe.” We have been waiting for these guidelines for more than 10 years, but we can finally put the current glut of charges in our collective rearview mirror.

“This law, which is designed with the future in mind, makes it possible to develop novel approaches to pricing in the years to come, and it will be to everyone’s benefit, from consumers who are frustrated to our fragile environment.”

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