Although we cannot deny that sometimes there are better options, the great advantage of adhering to technological standards is that they offer enormous compatibility. The best proof of this is the USB-C connector, which is present in countless devices from hundreds of brands around the world. This connector allows you to exchange the cables, chargers and others of almost all these devices without too much trouble, something that does not happen with other technologies.
Generally, companies stick to such standards, but others like Apple decide to go their own way and use proprietary connectors. A priori this does not have to be negative, although the reduced compatibility can be a headache for users. The European Union knows very well that the latter happens and they want to avoid it, so they will force Apple to use USB-C chargers on their iPhones and other devices from 2024 . Are they the only ones affected? Not at all, because it is a new norm that will apply to everyone.
USB-C will be the universal charger for electronic devices from 2024
The European Parliament’s Consumer and Market Protection Committee (IMCO) today agreed that from autumn 2024 (24 months from now) all electronic devices distributed within the European Union will have to use the USB-C connector. .
The idea behind this project is to unify all devices around the same universal connector , pursuing two main objectives: reduce electronic waste generated by the use of different connection technologies and unify fast charging standards.
It is a measure that will apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, speakers , portable consoles, headphones, electronic book readers and others. This includes the iPhone and iPads from Apple, the main detractor of this measure, which has always defended the use of the Lightning connector. Beware, they will not be able to use adapters or anything like that. Apple must include the USB-C port directly in its mobiles , although it is something that will only apply to devices sold in the EU.
The only mobile devices that will be left out of the list that requires the use of the USB-C connector are those whose dimensions do not allow it. Some examples? Smartwatches, smartbands or some headphones.
The original project of the European Parliament dates from 2014 , when it was proposed to reduce the list of chargers to only three, since there were more than 30 different models. Then in 2020 they decided to go further and voted to discuss downsizing to a single universal connector.
Laptops will also have to use USB-C charger, Apple’s MagSafe in jeopardy
Along with the above, the European Parliament also included laptops in the list of devices that will have to use a USB-C charger in the EU. Thus, in total there will be 15 groups of devices that will be affected by this measure. However, the new regulations will be mandatory for laptops in the next 40 months (winter 2025).
In the case of laptops, the European Parliament gives a longer period because the inclusion within the project has not occurred until now. Who will it affect? To any company that uses proprietary connectors , such as Microsoft’s Surface Connect or Apple’s MagSafe.
At the moment it remains up in the air whether the EU will allow the use of two charging connectors (USB-C + proprietary), but we will have to wait for more details. This would not be strange to happen, because a laptop has enough space to include two types of chargers (and in fact it already happens). In addition, the USB-C requirement would still be met, but let’s wait and see what the IMCO says.
The European Parliament in favor of selling new devices without chargers
Finally, another of the measures discussed by the European Parliament was one that many users will not like: progressively the charger will no longer be included in the box together with new devices.
This would help a lot to reduce the environmental impact and should not be a problem if all devices use USB-C. There will be their exceptions with devices that need a lot of power to work and not just any charger will do (like a gaming laptop), but they are the least. However, we know that there are those who will be very against this decision. Our position? If we’re all going to use USB-C, then that’s great.
