Apple must switch to USB-C chargers by 2024, EU Parliament says

The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly, 602-13, in favor of enforcing USB-C as a common charging port across several electronic devices, which include the iPhone and Airpods. This transfer must be fully implemented by 2024.

The final step will be for the European Council to approve the legislation and then publish it in the EU Official Journal.

“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 EU Parliament said in a press release.

“The new law, adopted by plenary on Tuesday is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and to empower consumers to make more sustainable choices,” the statement said.

“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.”

The statement continued, “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.”

“All devices that support fast charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger,” the statement added.

The legislation has granted an exception to some devices such as smart watches and health trackers, as their ports are too small for the Type-C port.

Companies have also been instructed to make sure that dedicated labels clearly inform consumers about any changes that have been made to devices they are purchasing.