This article was adapted from a report aired on Lightning News in 2022. This article was released on January 29, 2023 and re-released on February 27th 2025 with no additional changes
Listen to this Article:
LIGHTNING NEWS (New York, New York) — Currently, various charging standards exist for portable devices, though nowadays this fragmentation exists mostly between Micro USB, USB-C and Apple’s Lightning Connector. In the past, it wasn’t out of the ordinary for computers, tablets and phones to use a variety of proprietary chargers.
However, now thanks to the widespread adoption of the standards aforementioned, this problem has for the most part been mitigated.
However, some users still have a few grievances. For example, people who use both Apple and Android phones or tablets find themselves inconvenienced by having to own both cables to use their devices. Additionally, users argue this fragmentation creates excess waste and forces users to spend unnecessary amounts of money.
Of course, this has put Apple in the spotlight.
As of now, Apple is the only major tech company to have their own proprietary charger for portable devices, now that the vast majority of tech companies have already shifted over to USB-C. Apple defended their decision to stand behind the lightning connector, saying that replacing it “would create an unprecedented amount of electronic waste”.
The European Union has been pushing for a universal charger for a long time, with traces running as far back as 2009. At the time of the draft’s inception in 2014, The new regulation would amend the already planned Radio Equipment Directive, creating an additional standard focused on charging standards for cellphones.
The draft law was approved, with 550 votes in favour, 12 not, and 8 who chose to abstain.
From then, MPs began looking into potential problems a universal charging solution may cause, alongside its potential benefits. The scope of the proposal also widened in scope to also include portable media players, smart home appliances, and more. With this, the EU opened up the lines to feedback, to which Apple gave their own.
“Apple stands for innovation. Regulations that would drive conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones freeze innovation rather than encourage it. Such proposals are bad for the environment and [are] unnecessarily disruptive for customers.”Apple’s Statement to the EU
They also said that such legislation would not only create mass e-waste, but also will render many devices obsolete for many EU residents.
Despite Apple’s pleas to come up with an alternative though, the bill went ahead to target electronic manufacturers of all types who aim to do business in the EU.
According their official document, it says:
“Hand-held mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld video-game consoles and portable speakers, in so far as they are capable of being recharged via wired charging, shall be equipped with the USB Type-C receptacle, which should remain accessible and operational at all times.”EU Document (pg. 25, 26)
Laptop manufacturers will have until 2026 to implement this universal charging standard in their products. For portable devices, manufacturers have until 2024.
So, what does this mean for consumers?
Well, if you’re outside the EU, it depends. Some manufacturers may make EU specific models with USB-C to appease the European Commission, while making other models that do not have USB-C charging. Though, others may just make one universal model that utilizes USB-C to save additional manufacturing costs.
People in 3 of the Home Nations: England, Scotland and Wales, will not be affected by this law because of Brexit. Though, people in Northern Ireland will be affected, due to trade terms set in the Northern Ireland Protocol.