EU brings uniform charging to smartphones

The European Parliament (EP) and the European Council have announced that they have agreed on a change in the regulations which aims to standardize different charging ports such as USB-C, Micro USB and Lightning for various electronic devices and reduce electronic waste. As a result, USB-C will be the new standard charging port for portable electronic devices. Until fall 2024, devices such as new smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable video game consoles, speakers will have USB-C charging ports. Thus, a single charger can be used in various electronic devices. Consumers won’t have to buy cables and chargers for every new device. Existing cables and chargers can be used in various devices. Device fast charging systems will also be harmonised. With this application, we aim to reduce electronic waste. Once the regulation has been formally approved by the EP and the European Council, it will enter into force by being published in the Official Journal of the EU. Currently, most Android devices are charged with the USB-C port. New laptops with headphones and various other accessories also use the same jack. The settlement should affect Apple in particular. Apple uses a different input called Lightning on its smartphones, some tablets, and headphones. The company prefers USB-C ports in its new iPads and laptops.