The European Union imposes the universal charger for smartphones from 2024

The European Parliament has voted for the mandatory introduction of a single charger in the European Union (EU). From now on, the USB-C type port will be the one and only standard for electronic devices in the EU.

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No longer will you have to ask your colleagues for a special iPhone charger when you forget yours. As of fall 2024, a single charger for smartphones , tablets and other electronic devices will be sold in the European Union.

From now on, all manufacturers of electronic devices will have to equip their products with a USB-C type port. Apple products, including iPhones, will have to part with their Lightning port in the EU. The next iPhone 15, which is scheduled for release in 2023, could already be equipped with a port USB-C .

A world first

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« It's a great day for consumers, a great day for our environment », Welcomed Maltese Labor MEP Alex Agius Saliba on Tuesday, October 4. The text of the law he reported was adopted by a large majority in the European Parliament, 602 votes for, 13 against and 8 abstentions.

The universal USB-C charger will be imposed on smartphones, tablets but also on headphones, computer keyboards and mice, speakers, portable video game consoles, e-readers, digital cameras or even GPS . For laptops, we will have to wait until early 2026.

After a decade of unsuccessful attempts, the European Parliament has finally reached an agreement with the Member States. If Apple has firmly opposed this world first, the European Parliament hopes that other countries “ will follow the example of the EU ».

Every year, 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste are thrown away in the EU.