That’s right, a lawmaker has finally pulled the trigger and mandated that USB-C is the only connector for charging your electronics. They havne’t stopped at mobile and tablet devices though, with laptop manufacturers being put on notice too:
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.
Further to this, the law also covers other mobile devices with corded power delivery up to 100W be covered including:
- Digital cameras
- Headphones, earbuds and headsets
- Handheld videogame consoles
- Portable speakers
- e-readers (Kindle and Kobo)
- Keyboards and mice
- portable navigation systems
While there is clearly an immediate bonus to consumers — who don’t have 25 Lightning cables laying around — in this, there are other impacts. There is hope that by forcing the manufacturers to the same connection and charging standards, the significant e-waste generated annually will be reduced.
In reality, given some of their mobile devices and laptops already have USB-C this shouldn’t be a massive deal for Apple. Some of the lower end manufacturers in the Android space though, have a big decision to make and pretty soon it seems.
