The EU will impose USB-C for charging smartphones

Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they buy a new device, and they will be able to use one charger for all of their small portable electronic devices. and medium size.explained the European Parliament in a press release.

In the fall of 2024, mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, headphones and headsets, digital cameras, portable video game consoles and portable speakers, if rechargeable via wired cable, must be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturerhe says.

Laptops will be subject to the same charger requirement for 40 months following the entry into force of the textthat is, by 2026.

The regulations also provide for the charging speed to be matched for devices that allow fast charging, to avoid this restriction when used with a device of a different brand.

According to the European Commission, this motion will allow consumers to save at least 250 million euros (approximately 335 million Canadian dollars) annually on the purchase of chargers. It also predicts that the waste of unused magazines, which is estimated at 11,000 tons per year, could be reduced by nearly 1,000 tons.

This project was launched only in 2009 by the Commission, but until now has resisted intense reluctance from the industry, even though the number of types of existing chargers has greatly decreased over the years.

From about thirty in 2009, they became three: the Micro USB connector that most phones have long fitted, USB-C, a more recent connection, and Lightning, used by Apple, which expressed strong resistance. its in the standardization project, considering this change can be prevented.

Consumer associations, while welcoming the EU project, have for their part regretted that it has nothing to do with wireless charging systems, which are already in full swing.