EU agrees to require one charger for all devices
STORY: Soon you will be able to boost your iPhone battery using your Android charger.
That’s if you live in the European Union.
The European Parliament on Tuesday (October 4) approved new rules to introduce a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras from fall 2024.
EU lawmaker Alex Agius Saliba steered the reform through the EU assembly.
“The simplest solutions are often the best and most practical ones and the simple solution each year will save thousands of tonnes of electronic waste, facilitate the re-use of old electronics, better consumer convenience, reduce unnecessary costs and also help to save millions of euros.”
The new rules - which are a world first - will make USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the standard across the 27-nation bloc.
Old chargers will not be outlawed, however, so that customers can continue to use existing models.
The change is expected to lead to a gradual phase out of older products.
But it’s not good news for everyone.
Apple will now have to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices.
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.
And it will apply to laptops from 2026.
The European Commission has estimated that a single charger rule would save just under $250 million for consumers.
The large size of the EU market means the new rules may lead to changes in other countries.
Apple has in the past warned that the proposal would hurt innovation and create a mountain of electronics waste.
The U.S. giant - as well as Samsung and Huawei - were unavailable for immediate comment.
