The European Parliament has approved rules enabling customers in the European Union to use a single charging port for their mobile phones, tablets and cameras by 2024.
The 602-13 vote confirms an earlier agreement among EU institutions and will make USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the EU standard, forcing Apple to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices.
All 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, a news statement said.
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.
iPhone maker Apple is expected to be among the most affected. Analysts expect a possible positive impact because it could encourage shoppers to buy the company’s latest gadgets instead of ones without USB-C.
The deal also covers e-readers, ear buds and other technologies, meaning it may also have an impact on Samsung, Huawei and other device makers. From spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops.
Apple in the past warned that the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of electronics waste.
The European Commission has estimated that the single charger would save about 250 million euros ($247.3 million) for consumers.
Half the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29 percent had a USB-C connector and 21 percent a Lightning connector, which is used by Apple, a 2019 Commission study showed.
