After weeks of discussion, the European Union (EU) on Tuesday voted and passed rules to introduce a common charger for small electronic devices like smartphones and tablets, by the end of 2024. The European Parliament voted in favour of introducing a common USB Type-C as a common charging port for small consumer electronic devices, including the Apple iPhone.
The new EU rules mean that Apple will be forced to bid adieu to the Lightning iPhone port which it has been introducing to date in its iPhone models, including this year's iPhone 14 series. The Lightning iPhone ports are being used by almost 20 per cent of devices sold in Europe. Notably, Apple introduced the Type-C port in its 12-inch MacBook model in 2015 and in the iPad Pro in 2018.
However, there has been a debate over the better shelf life of Lightning Ports over Type-C ports as the latter is said to become loose with usage.
By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops. The new law, adopted by plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and to empower consumers to make more sustainable choices, a press note shared by the European Parliament read.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one single charger for a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.
Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops that are rechargeable via a wired cable, operating with a power delivery of up to 100 Watts, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, the note added.