EU introduces a single charging standard: what will change for gadget owners
Kyiv • UNN
In the EU, all portable electronic devices must now have a USB Type-C port. The new rules apply to smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets, and from 2026, laptops as well.
Starting Saturday, all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices sold in the EU must be compatible with USB Type-C ports to get rid of waste, Euronews reports, UNN writes.
Details
"Starting Saturday, consumers in the EU will no longer need a separate charger for smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, game consoles, and other devices, as USB Type-C charging ports will become the standard for mobile tools across the bloc," the publication writes.
In 2022, the European Parliament and EU member states voted overwhelmingly to abolish alternative charging methods, meaning that all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices sold in the EU must be compatible with USB-C ports.
Under EU rules, consumers can also opt out of receiving a new charger with every device they buy.
Laptop manufacturers will face the same rules from April 28, 2026.
Addendum
As indicated, electronic device manufacturers have long resisted the EU's drive to standardize charging technologies. The decision will affect all suppliers, but most of all Apple, which initially challenged the rules, citing innovation concerns. However, this major tech giant has begun to comply with the directive and has switched to USB-C for its devices.
