As expected, the European Commission (EC) has put forward a new proposal that all equipment manufacturers should use a standard USB-C connector. This will help reduce e-waste as consumers can use charging cables from their old devices instead of buying new ones. The European Commission is also inviting manufacturers to completely remove chargers from the packaging, which some manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, are already doing.
The proposal concerns the use of USB-C charging in smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and portable consoles.
European consumers have long been frustrated with incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers. We've given the industry enough time to come up with their own solutions, now it's time to legislate for a conventional charger. This is an important victory for our consumers and the environment, in line with our environmental and digital ambitions. - EC Executive Vice President Margaret Vestager
The European Commission said USB-C with a unified implementation of fast charging technology should become the standard. Also, manufacturers should inform users more accurately so that they can judge whether existing chargers meet the stated criteria.
Now the bill will have to pass a vote in the European Parliament, and if successful, it will become law. If that happens, OEMs will have up to two years to adopt USB-C as a standard.
The law will affect Apple the most, as iPhones still come with proprietary Lightning ports and cables. Apple will be forced to replace Lightning with USB-C in all of its smartphones over the next two years.
Are your chargers piling up in a drawer?
— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) September 23, 2021
We propose a common charger for mobile phones and other similar electronic devices.
A single charger will be more convenient for people and will reduce electronic waste.
Read more: https://t.co/hkspfjwlhu #DigitalEU pic.twitter.com/ZhWZ8xSGKH
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