Apple will be among the companies most affected by the law, which it has warned would stifle innovation. All Phones to Use the Same Charger by 2024
The European Union
The European Parliament has voted to force tech companies such as Apple to adapt their products so they can all use the same charger. The new rules will require all phones, tablets, cameras, earbuds and handheld consoles to have USB-C ports by 2024, and they’ll extend to laptops starting in spring 2026. The move was aimed at reducing “technological lock-in” and cutting down on e-waste. All Phones to Use the Same Charger by 2024
A majority of 602 lawmakers backed the new law, with just 13 against and eight abstentions. The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, said the rule would save consumers around EUR250 million (£218m) a year by eliminating unnecessary charger purchases.
The move will also force Apple to ditch its proprietary Lightning port, which it uses on iPhones, for USB-C, reports Bloomberg. The company has reportedly already started testing future iPhone models with the new connector, which is commonly found on Android devices. The EU’s move will also require manufacturers to harmonise the standards for wireless charging, which is still an emerging technology.
What is the EU?
The European Union is a political and economic alliance of 27 countries that share a common history, language and culture. Its core values are freedom, democracy, equality and justice. It was founded after two destructive world wars, when people decided that nothing like them should ever happen again.
The EU has many institutions, but it is the European Commission that wields the most day-to-day power. It proposes laws, manages the budget and implements decisions. It also represents the EU at summits and in international organizations.
The Council of the European Union is made up of the heads of state or government of the member states. It meets at summits to set the EU’s broad political agenda and settle urgent high-level questions. Its members elect a president, who serves up to two and a half years in office. The European Parliament is the EU’s legislative branch. It sets law, votes on treaties and has a say over how the European Commission functions.
The European Parliament
The rules aren’t yet final and will need a formal vote by the EU Council before becoming law. They’ll kick in next fall for mobile phones and tablets and expand to laptops by spring 2026, though products that hit the market before then won’t be affected. The EP has a long history of calling for common chargers and helping to whittle down the variety of connectors on many gadgets, but it says voluntary efforts haven’t produced concrete results for consumers.
The European Commission
It is accountable to Parliament and can be dismissed by a vote of censure. It also oversees political party funding and is responsible for the European elections.
The move will force tech companies like Apple to redesign the iPhone to include a USB-C port for wired charging. I It will also standardize fast charging speeds across devices.
It will also apply to laptops at a later date. needs read more hear
