All Smartphones Must Use The Same Single Charger In The EU Starting In 2024

The European Parliament approved a law on Tuesday that will require companies to ensure that every smartphone, tablet and camera uses the same single charger.

EU lawmakers supported the reform with a large majority, with 602 votes in favour and only 13 against.

The vote will make USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the EU standard, forcing Apple to change its charging port for its devices by 2024 to comply.

What at first looks to be a massive blow to companies like Apple has been described as a positive move by analysts, who expect shoppers to feel more encouraged to buy the Apple’s latest gadgets instead of ones without USB-C.

Apple was first reported in May to be working on an iPhone with a USB-C charging port that could debut next year.

Samsung, Huawei and other device makers, will also be affected as manufacturers of e-readers, earbuds and other technologies.

It is expected to save at least 200 million euros per year and cut more than a thousand tonnes of EU electronic waste every year, the bloc’s competition chief Margrethe Vestager said.

Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba said:

“After more than a decade; the single charger for multiple electronic devices will finally become a reality for Europe and hopefully we can also inspire the rest of the world.”