E.U. Rule Requires New Devices to Have USB-C Charging Ports by 2026

The European Union on Tuesday reached an agreement that will require all new smartphones, tablets and laptops to use a common charger by 2026.

The policy is an attempt to address the well-known consumer frustration of having a drawer full of chargers — some for Apple devices, others for portable speakers or hand-held gaming systems. It brings an unusual level of involvement by a government regulator into product design decisions.

Policymakers said the move would cut down on electronic waste. But the new law had been opposed by companies including Apple, which said it would prevent new charging technologies from developing. Under the law, a European standards body will be in charge of considering future charger designs for all devices.

By 2024, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, hand-held video game devices, headphones, portable speakers, keyboards, mice, earbuds and other portable devices will need USB-C charging ports, the European Commission announced. By 2026, the law will apply to laptops.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/07/technology/eu-tablets-phones-usbc-chargers.html