USB-C To Become Mandatory Charger In EU By 2024

In news many iPhone users will have been looking forward to, USB-C is set to become the mandatory charger in the European Union (EU) by 2024.

Isn't it annoying that you have to use a different wire to charge everything?

Well, a lot of us will be glad to know that the EU has reached a deal to 'reducing hassle for consumers and curbing e-waste', which will include; smartphone chargers, tablets, e-books, wireless headsets and laptops.

Notably, the switch to USB-C should bring faster charging speeds (also dependant on the wattage on the charging brick), which is handy when you've run out of juice and need to leave the house in a hurry.

Via a press release, the European Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba said: "Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe!

"European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device.

"Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics.

"We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices are also included in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers.

"We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labelling for consumers."

Many Apple enthusiasts on the internet can't wait for the switch because at the moment, the new iPad and MacBooks all use USB-C, however, the iPhone still uses Lightning, which can be a bit of an issue when it comes to transfer speeds of larger files between devices.

While we can't be fully sure as to why Apple have decided to stick with the Lightning port for so long, some believe that the unique licensing deals and exclusivity might have been a financial benefit for them.

Thierry Breton, commissioner for the EU’s internal market, confirmed during a press conference that the tech giants won't be excluded from the change.

As per The Verge, he said: “The rule applies to all and sundry. It’s not adopted against anybody.

“We’re working for the consumers, not the companies, and we have to give these companies rules; rules that are clear in order to enter the internal market.”

In terms of the 'next steps', the EU says: "After the summer recess, Parliament and Council will have to formally approve the agreement before it is published in the EU Official Journal.

"It will enter into force 20 days after publication and its provisions will start to apply after 24 months. The new rules would not apply to products placed on the market before the date of application."