Apple will have to adopt USB-C chargers from autumn 2024 for its iPhones in the European Union in order to comply with new rules that require a single charging port for most electronic devices.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament gave final approval to new rules with overwhelming support – 602 votes to approve it, 13 against and eight abstentions. The law will apply to small and medium-sized electronics from the end of 2024, while larger devices such as laptops will come under the rules from spring 2026.
If approved by the European Council, it will end proprietary charging standards across the 27-nation bloc. Apple will be the worst affected with its lightning connector that’s currently used for iPhones.
Bloomberg reported in May that Apple is working on an iPhone with a USB-C charging port, which could be launched as early as next year.
Devices like rechargeable cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld video game consoles will also fall under the purview of the new law, which now heads to the European Council for final approval. In total 13 categories of electronic devices will have to adapt by autumn 2024.
Alex Agius Saliba, the EU lawmaker who steered the reform through the EU assembly, said that old chargers will not be outlawed, so the customers can continue to use older models.
Saliba said: “The common charger will finally become a reality in Europe. We have waited more than ten years for these rules, but we can finally leave the current plethora of chargers in the past.
“This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative charging solutions in the future, and it will benefit everyone – from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment.”
The change had been discussed for years and was prompted by complaints from iPhone and Android users about having to switch to different chargers for their devices. The European Commission has estimated that a single charger would save about 250 million euros ($247.3 million) for consumers.
The EU proposal has prompted calls for similar standards by lawmakers elsewhere around the globe. Earlier this year, in the United States, three Democratic senators asked the Commerce Department to develop a “comprehensive strategy” on charging accessories, citing consumer inconvenience and environmental waste.
A 2019 Commission study showed half of the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29 percent had a USB-C connector and 21percent used Apple’s lightning connector.
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