European Commission Intends To Mandate That All Portable Devices Use USB-C

24-month deadline set for manufacturers, Apple’s iPhones most seriously affected short-term

The European Commission certainly took its time, but it’s now forcing all manufacturers to use a common standard for portable device charging. That standard is, of course, USB-C. (Image: Marcus Urbenz, Unsplash)

It’s been a long time coming — probably way too long — but it’s now official: the European Union intends to force tech product manufacturers into using a common USB-C charging port for all of their devices. This was announced today as one of the measures the European Commission is taking in order to cut down on electronic waste, encouraging people to re-use existing chargers and cables when they buy new products such as smartphones, tablets headphones, portable speakers, video and photo cameras, even videogame systems and controllers.

In the same proposal to be put on vote soon, tech product manufacturers are also forced to make their fast-charging standards “interoperable” (they already are in most cases) and to provide information to customers about what charging standards those products support. European consumers “will be able to buy” new devices without an included charger, meaning that they may or may not be given the option. Apple and Samsung have already stopped including chargers with their smartphones.

Manufacturers are given a 24-month deadline in order to comply with the European Commission’s directive about adopting USB-C but, the truth is, most of them have done so already. (Image: Mishaal Zahed, Unsplash)

The European Commission’s proposals only cover devices using wired, not wireless, chargers. EU commissioner Thierry Breton claimed that “there is plenty of room for innovation on wireless”, which is largely true. “Chargers power all our most essential electronic devices”, Breton added. “With more and more devices, more and more chargers are sold that are not interchangeable or necessary. We are putting an end to that”. The commissioner added that through this proposal “European consumers will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics, an important step to increase convenience and reduce waste”.

“European consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers. We gave the tech industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger”, European Commission executive…