EU countries agree to unify chargers for electric devices such as smartphones to USB Type-C, making it mandatory in the fall of 2024
Regarding the 'unification of connectors for electronic devices' promoted by the EU for more than 10 years, EU countries and the European Parliament have agreed to unify USB Type-C. This includes smartphones and tablets, portable game consoles, digital cameras, earphones, headphones, etc., and laptops must meet the requirements within 40 months after the regulation comes into effect.
Deal on common charger: reducing hassle for consumers and curbing e-waste | News | European Parliament
EU makes USB-C mandatory for Apple iPhones and other devices
Different connector standards for electronic devices require a charger for each, which is wasteful for consumers. In the EU, we worked on standardization and signed an agreement to standardize mobile phone charging connectors in 2009, but the agreement expired in 2012. After that, some manufacturers signed the memorandum again, but the EU was aiming to enact this matter because it was difficult to unify the standards by the industry's voluntary efforts.
In 2020, the EU will begin deliberations on a bill to unify the charger standard to USB Type-C.
Apple could abolish Lightning connector under EU pressure-GIGAZINE
Apple, which has adopted the Lightning standard to form its own ecosystem, strongly opposed this move.
Apple announces rebuttal statement to EU's request for 'common charger for smartphones'-GIGAZINE
However, the EU rejected Apple's opposition and promoted legislation, and in April 2022 adopted the 'Revised View on Radio Equipment Directive'. After deliberation at the European Parliament plenary session in May 2022, the European Parliament and council officials finally agreed to standardize on USB Type-C.
The new rules cover mobile phones (smartphones), tablets, e-readers, earphones, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable game consoles, and portable speakers that can be charged with a wired cable, regardless of manufacturer. Must have a Type-C port.
Notebook PCs must also meet the requirements by 40 months after the regulation is issued.
The rule will be published in the EU's official bulletin after the formal agreement between Parliament and the European Council has been approved, will come into effect 20 days after publication, and will begin to apply 24 months later. Since the agreement will be approved after the summer, the rule is expected to start applying in the fall of 2024.
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in Hardware, Posted by logc_nt