USB-C to be mandatory phone charging cable in the EU from 2024
All smaller electronic devices will be required to use the same charging cable, including Apple’s iPhone, which does not currently use USB-C.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Small electronic devices sold in the EU will be required to use the same charging cable by 2024 after the European Parliament voted for the use of a common charging solution.
By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, cameras and other small or medium-sized electronic devices sold in the EU will need to be equipped with the UBS-C charging port, with the rules extending to laptops in 2026.
The decision will have a substantial impact on Apple’s iPhone which is the only major smartphone not to already use the cable – although the firm’s iPad tablet range has done since 2018.
The UK currently appears unlikely to follow the EU’s decision with the Government saying in June that it was not currently considering introducing a similar rule.
The new guidelines were provisionally agreed upon in the summer but have now been approved by the European Parliament and are expected to receive final approval from member states later this month.
The EU said the change would reduce hassle for consumers and help cut electronic waste by removing the need to buy a new charger each time a device is purchased.
This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative charging solutions in the future and it will benefit everyone
“The common charger will finally become a reality in Europe”, European Parliament rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba said.
“We have waited more than 10 years for these rules but we can finally leave the current plethora of chargers in the past.
“This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative charging solutions in the future and it will benefit everyone – from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment.
“These are difficult times for politics but we have shown that the EU has not run out of ideas or solutions to improve the lives of millions in Europe and inspire other parts of the world to follow suit.”