A long and lengthy legislative process, which began about a decade ago, is finally coming to an end this week: EU authorities have reached a final and official agreement on the time required for switching from different types of charging connections to one standard connection for all digital devices. The standard chosen is of course USB-C, while the date is autumn 2024, after which any device that comes with a non-standard connection will be banned from sale in Europe.
According to the union, the legislation is expected to save consumers about 250 million euros on unnecessary charges, as a single USB-C charger will be able to serve all the various digital devices that the law applies to: smartphones, tablets, headphones, portable consoles and e-books. Equally important, the legislation is expected to eliminate about 11,000 tons of electronic waste.
Laptops will also be required to switch to USB-C, but these manufacturers are given a longer period of time to complete the transition: about 40 months. The EU explains that this decision was made in light of the fact that there is not yet full agreement on standards for high-power chargers of between 100 and 240 watts.
The main one affected by the legislation is of course Apple, one of the latest companies in the smartphone market that has not yet switched to USB-C on their own initiative. Apple has argued throughout the process that the legislation will severely hurt innovation, but the EU does not accept this, explaining that the legislation is flexible enough to adapt it to any more modern and successful connection that will be presented later.
Another option facing Apple is to waive any physical connection connection, and go beyond wireless connections only. However, it seems more likely that the company will eventually fold against the requirements, since according to the latest reports in its laboratories, iPhone models with a USB-C connection are already being tested.