It has been talked about since last June of universal USB-C charger. Europe wanted it, craved it and finally, after months of negotiations, the European Parliament has approved la law. Officially, since 2024, the Type-C charger will be the only one that can be used and sold on all electronic devices marketed in the Union. To be honest, they are more than two years have passed since the EU began its "struggle" towards standardization. But let's go to today's vote and see the details of the matter.
Now it's official: the EU (or rather the European Parliament) has finally approved the law that requires all OEMs to use USB-C chargers. Problems not only for Apple
The votes in favor of measure for the adoption of the universal USB-C charger in Europe there were 602, of which only 13 were against and with eight abstentions. After this time, then, the timer starts running for all those manufacturers that still don't use USB-C. And be careful, why Apple is not the only one and there are other manufacturers who use different standards. In fact, the legend on which all this hatred towards the Cupertino company was built is rather unjustified.
The producers Android, for the most part, they have no new stakes to refer to due to the new regulations. All high-end and mid-range devices are already equipped with USB-C. However, at the low end there are still Micro USB connectors. They are not all, as progress has been made here too, but some remain.
At least until December 31 2024, Apple like many other OEMs, can present and launch an iPhone in Europe that still has a Lightning or micro-USB connector. If for any reason the launch is delayed and reaches January 1, 2025, it will violate new European regulations. It is indeed from 1 January 2025 that smartphones without USB-C will not be able to be marketed, at least in the old continent.
Only for smartphones?
This regulation will also apply to other electronic devices such as tablets, digital cameras, speakers, headphones or peripherals of any kind. Also ai laptop. However, these devices have some sort of extension: until the end of spring 2026 can continue to be marketed without USB-C. Basically manufacturers like Apple, ASUS, Acer and so on, EXCLUSIVELY for computers, can still use that type of charger and connector.
Does the USB-C charger regulation provide only this?
No, because it should also be noted that the legislation will not prevent a smartphone from arriving without a power supply. Yes, they must carry at least one cable, which the current law already provides. However, manufacturers may not include the hub that plugs into the outlet if they so wish.
