EU Wants Apple To Use USB-C, Ditch Lightning Port

New mobile devices in the European Union (EU) market will have to include a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024.

The EU Parliament on Tuesday (3 October) adopted new rules to make USB type-C the common charging standard for small electronic devices by 2024 end.

The legislation aims to target companies, including Apple, that use their own proprietary charging standard.

The new law, adopted by plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and to empower consumers to make more sustainable choices.

Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one single charger for a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.

Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, earbuds and laptops etc., that are rechargeable via a wired cable, operating with a power delivery of up to 100 watts, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port.

All devices that support fast charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.

After it has been formally approved by the council, EU countries will have two years to introduce the rules into national laws. It will not apply to products placed on the market before it comes into force.

Most of the Android smartphones and tablets, with the exception of some older devices, use USB type-C charging port.

The legislation will, however, be a major challenge for iPhone maker Apple as it will force the US tech giant to use USB type-C charging port for its upcoming iPhones.

So far, Apple has been reluctant to replace its proprietary smartphone charging standard 'Lightning' port with the USB type-c port.