Robert Triggs / Android Authority
TL; DR
- The EU could finally pass legislation to standardize device chargers on June 7th.
- The legislation would require USB-C for all smartphones and tablets, which would mean the end of the Apple Lightning connector in Europe.
- Lawmakers are undecided on when it will go into effect and whether the law will apply to laptops.
After years of playing with the idea and months of work to implement it, the EU seems ready to formally enact legislation that would require all phone and tablet manufacturers to standardize USB-C chargers.
The EU’s Committee on Consumer Protection and the Internal Market voted 43-2 in April to pass legislation requiring manufacturers to adopt USB-C to charge devices. The latest version of the proposal extends its reach beyond smartphones and tablets to include laptops, cameras, handheld game consoles and more. According to Reuters, EU countries and lawmakers are set to adopt legislation on June 7.
Read more: The best USB-C cables you can buy
There are still some issues to be resolved. For example, it is unclear whether laptops will be included in the final version, despite pressure from lawmakers. Similarly, lawmakers want the legislation to come into force in 2025, but individual countries and the EU Commission want a longer adoption period to give manufacturers the right time to change their designs.
Apple has been the main opponent of the legislation, as the company relies heavily on its own Lightning port on the iPhone and some iPads. Instead, the Mac, iPad Pro, and iPad Air use USB-C. Google and other Android makers will not be greatly affected.
Comments