Robert Triggs / Android Authority
The European Union requirement that devices be charged exclusively via USB-C ports from 2024 onwards is a welcome move in many corners. It mainly affects Apple’s stubborn adherence to the Lightning port instead of the much more universal connector, cables, and chargers. But it also means the end of new USB-A and micro-USB-powered accessories, ranging from headphones to portable speakers. The exception is laptops, which have a 40-month suspension until 2025.
This sounds like good news: after all, no one wants to be done with different cables and chargers. In addition, the EU directive estimates that switching completely to USB-C will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 180kt CO2e, the use of material by about 2,600 tonnes and e-waste by about 980 tonnes each. year. So what’s not to love?
Despite good intentions, forcing USB-C ports does not solve the big problem with the standard: a cable for everything does not always work so well in practice.
Read more: Years have passed and USB-C is still a disaster
One size does not fit all
USB-C is a powerful and flexible connector, but the port is not the only factor; device-compatible alternative mode standards at both ends of the cable are equally important. For example, USB-C headphones only work if your phone, tablet, or laptop supports USB-C audio. Likewise, for Ethernet and DisplayPort monitor support via USB. Even data transfer speeds depend on the subclassification of the port, such as USB 3.3 Gen 1 or Gen 2, USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4. Not to mention that you need the right cable to maximize data transfer and power between devices. Confusing is an understatement.
Related: The best USB-C cables you can buy
We’ve also seen how easily the standard can be broken. A small number of USB-C devices, such as the Insta360 Go 2 and the Bob & Brad Q2 massage gun of all things, are only charged with a CaA cable instead of a CaC. Meanwhile, other devices are completely refusing to work with off-the-shelf cables sold cheaply in various markets. For example, OnePlus cables wouldn’t charge Pixel phones in 2015, and some cables still don’t. After that, the 3.5mm adapter and Google USB-C headset didn’t work on OnePlus phones.
Improperly implemented USB-C accessories and devices are another source of frustration and waste.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever been frustrated when connecting a cable just to find that the feature you want isn’t supported or not working properly. USB-C support is frustratingly opaque and forcing gadgets to charge through this port will certainly not fix this error. In addition, poorly implemented cables and accessories are also added to any electronic waste.
That said, the EU is doing its best to make sure the cargo works more smoothly. The directive requires that USB-C devices “that are charged at voltages greater than 5 volts or currents greater than 3 amps or powers greater than 15 watts, incorporate the USB Power Delivery communication protocol.” In theory, all USB-PD plugs will work with all higher-powered USB-C devices in the future, reducing the need for multiple plugs for different devices and charging standards. That said, the industry has already come a long way in this direction, but this will help reduce e-waste a little faster. However, it will not necessarily completely remove duplicate plugs.
USB-C support is very opaque and there is no solution.
For example, the directive does not prevent manufacturers from using proprietary standards in addition to USB power delivery. It’s probably a good thing to avoid stifling innovation, but it still means that some phones and other devices can continue to charge much faster with some plugs than with others. This is further compounded by the fact that many phones are already switching to the more flexible USB power delivery PPS variant for more efficient charging, not to mention the USB-A host, fast charging and more. older plugs / accessories. consumers already own.
While there will be some simplification in the future, the USB-C charging landscape will still be varied and confusing for most consumers from 2024 onwards.
What to do with USB-C?
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
The EU move is ultimately welcome that will help reduce plug-in e-waste and reduce some of the load irritants we have come to experience in the eight years since the reversible connector was first announced. of 24 pins. But given this time period, forcing the charging port so late in the game may be too late, mostly because the law won’t go into effect until 2024 or later for laptops and only addresses the issue of charging. . During this time, millions more devices and chargers will have been sold that make USB-C a messy and annoying standard to deal with, and will most likely be dumped in landfills.
Unfortunately, the EU and other regulators are stuck playing catch-up with a standard that has become quite difficult to handle. While much of the focus has been on Apple’s reluctance to play ball with the industry in general, the industry has taken the USB-C standard and often has not implemented it. in a way that ensures cohesion and simplicity of understanding. ecosystem. Undoubtedly, charging is the most unfavorable and most worn failure for USB-C consumers, but the wider problem of e-waste will not be solved until all the accessories work perfectly on any USB-C port to which the connect.
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