EU agrees to make USB-C new charging standard
Members of the European Parliament overwhelmingly backed a proposal this week that would force consumer electronics makers to include a USB-C connector on all devices sold in Europe.
The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee on Wednesday voted 43 to 2 in favour of the proposed law, called the Radio Equipment Directive.
The new rules, expected to go into effect in 2026, will require manufacturers selling devices in Europe to include a USB-C port on all new phones, laptops, tablets, headphones, digital cameras, portable speakers and handheld videogame consoles.
Exemptions will apply to gadgets that are too small to have a USB-C connector, such as health trackers, smart watches, and some sports equipment. Larger devices in those categories will still be subject to the regulations.
While most manufacturers have already moved to the USB-C standard, there are some notable holdouts - most obviously Apple, which has always used proprietary connectors. From 2026, all iPhones and iPods will need to support USB-C, as modern iPads and Macbooks already do.
The idea behind the move is that consumers would need just one cable to charge and transfer data across gadgets - potentially cutting electronic waste, saving costs and raising charger safety and interoperability.
"With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone," said MEP Alex Agius Saliba.
The move will not only benefit the environment but also aid in the reuse of old equipment and reduce hassle for both enterprises and customers, he added.
Given the growing use of wireless charging, MEPs also want the European Commission to devise a policy that allows for a minimum level of interoperability between any new charging solutions, by the end of 2026.
The aim of such a policy would be to avoid further market fragmentation, continue to lower waste, and to avoid the 'lock-in' consequences that proprietary charging technologies can cause.
MEPs are also concerned about labelling. They say that clear information about charging alternatives and whether a product has a charger should be included on new gadgets to help customers make more sustainable purchasing decisions and limit the amount of new e-waste produced.
A full vote on the issue is expected next month, which will confirm how to negotiate the specific rules within the law with EU member states.
Apple has opposed the change since it was first discussed in the EU last year. The firm insists that mandating the same charging standard will hinder innovation - although the spread of USB charging has not limited innovation within the standard.
In related news, Apple has also announced the expansion of a safety feature using AI technology to check for sexually explicit images in its Messages app. The feature, already available in the USA, will soon be available to iOS users in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Apple customers in the UK will be able to use the nudity-scanning tool, dubbed 'Communication Safety,' in the Messages app relatively soon.
Parents may use this feature to enable warnings on their childrens' iPhones. All images sent or received using the app will be checked for nudity if the option is enabled, and blurred if nudity is detected. The child will be cautioned that an image may contain sensitive content and directed to resources from child safety groups.
Identical safeguards will apply if nudity is found on a message sent by a child. In such a case, the sender will be advised not to send the image and offered the option to 'Message a Grown-Up.'