EU continues to fight to make USB-C the new charging standard

Could this mean the end of Apple’s lightning port in the EU? The EU will continue to fight for USB-C charging as the standard for portable devices. The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee wants to establish new rules that ensure consumers don’t need a brand new charging cable for every new device they purchase. 

It is hoped that people will only need one charging port for their small and medium-sized devices. This could include tablets, smartphones, and headphones. Every device must be rechargeable via USB. Devices too small to be charged via USB-C would be exempted, as with smart watches and other health trackers. 

The committee also calls for a new standard in wireless charging of these products. These charging standards come as part of the EU’s broader effort to become more sustainable and reduce electronic waste. 

The new rules would include clearer information and labeling regarding charging on new devices – packaging would need to state if a charging cable is included or not. This would avoid confusion for consumers who buy new items. 

The EU mentions environmental concerns

Apple Watches and iPhones no longer include charging adapters. This led to confusion about chargers. Although the company was praised for its efforts to reduce environmental waste, it also received criticism and was accused by consumers of price-gouging.

A single charger for small and medium-sized electronic devices and mobile phones would be a huge benefit to everyone, as Europe produces half a million chargers each year for portable devices. It will save the environment, help re-use old electronics, make money, and decrease unnecessary costs for both consumers and businesses. We are proposing a truly comprehensive policy intervention, building on the Commission’s proposal by calling for the interoperability of wireless charging technologies by 2026 and improving information given to consumers with dedicated labels. We are also expanding the proposal’s scope by adding more products, such as laptops, that will need to comply with the new rules.

Alex Agius Saliba

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