Europe to use only USB type-c in 2024, why? Negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council have struck a temporary agreement. Bringing the EU’s objective of a common charger one step closer.
Consumers will no longer need to buy a new charging device and cable every time they buy a new gadget. They can use a single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles, and portable speakers that are rechargeable through a wired cable must include a USB Type-C port, regardless of manufacturer. Laptops will also need to follow updates to meet the requirements 40 months after they go into effect. For devices that support fast charging, the charging speed has also been harmonised, allowing customers to charge their smartphones at the same rate with any compatible charger.
Consumers will be given clear information about the charging characteristics of new devices. Making it easier for them to determine whether or not their current chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to select whether they wish to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a charging device.
These new requirements will encourage increased charger reuse. It will also save consumers up to 250 million euros per year on wasteful charger purchases. Roughly calculate that discarded and unused chargers account for around 11,000 tonnes of e-waste each year.
Problem With Apple
By now, all major smartphone manufacturers have switched to USB-C. Putting Apple’s iPhones and its iconic Lighting port on the wrong side of the tracks. Apple might avoid introducing USB-C to its phones by going portless. But new rumours indicate that Cupertino is already testing USB-C on its next-generation iPhone.
On the other hand, Apple is concerned that the European regulation “requiring only one type of connector for all devices on the market could affect European consumers by impeding the introduction of beneficial charging standards, especially those related to safety and energy efficiency.”
The EU has denied that the switch to USB-C will harm the economy. Stating that the “proposal stipulates that if a new standard emerges that is better than USB-C, we can adapt the rules.”
Regardless of whether the European regulation stifles innovation. Switching from the Lightning connector to USB-C would benefit iPhone users by allowing for speedier data transfers and charging.
