On October 4, 2022, the European Parliament approved new regulations that, by 2024, will bring a single charging port for smartphones, tablets, and cameras to the European Union.
There are 450 million people living in the 27-country European Union. The Brussels Effect, or the disruption of international industry norms caused by a significant regulation reform, is well known.
According to the new regulation, all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU must feature a USB Type-C charging port in the initial phase. The restriction will then apply to computers starting in the spring of 2026. This means our beloved iPhone charger (lightning connector) deemed obsolete by 2024.
The single charger rule, according to EU bureaucrats, will simplify life for Europeans, eliminate the mountain of out-of-date chargers, and save costs for consumers.
602 people voted in favor of the law, and 13 people opposed it. It requires manufacturers of smartphones, laptops, and cameras to use a common charger, at least in Europe. Beginning in early 2026, laptop manufacturers will have more time to follow suit.
To comply with new regulations providing a single charging port for most electronic devices starting in the fall of 2024, Apple will need to update the charger for its iPhones in the European Union.
The change, the first of its kind anywhere in the world, was enacted by a resounding majority in the European Parliament on October 4, 2022, and it may improve the EU’s position as a global standard-setter for telephone technology.
What's next for the Europeans?
- As a result of concerns from iPhone and Android users who had to move to various chargers for their devices, the change had been considered for years. E-readers, earbuds, and other devices are also covered by the agreement.
Apple is anticipated to be one of the major European electronic device manufacturers most impacted, although analysts also anticipate a potential benefit as it may persuade consumers to purchase the brand’s most recent items rather than those lacking USB-C. - It should be mentioned that the rule was passed as a result of the EU’s initiatives to lessen e-waste and provide customers with greater authority over their purchasing decisions. In addition to other smartphone manufacturers, experts believe Apple will be the most impacted by the new regulation because it will be required to replace the charging port for its customers using iPhones and other devices in the EU. USB-C connections can transfer data at speeds of up to 40 GB per second, charge devices at up to 100 Watts, and connect to external displays.
- According to the information, users can now choose between two charges—one with and one without a USB-C charger—when purchasing a gadget as a result of this move.
According to news sources, the law can reduce annual EU electronic waste production by more than a thousand tonnes and save at least €200 million, according to EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager. - Apple tried to oppose the legislation even though it already uses USB-C charging connectors on its laptops and iPads, forcing it to switch from Lightning ports on its iPhones. It had contended that the technology would hinder innovation and the charger would be out of proportion.
Itís difficult to find experienced people for this topic, but you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks