Starting today, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, keyboards and many other electronics sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. This legislative move aims to unify charging methods, simplifying life for consumers and curtailing expenses. It will also minimize the excess of obsolete chargers that consumers accumulate with their devices. By adopting this standard, EU seeks a more sustainable electronics environment, responding to years of demand for a universal charger.
The law, first approved in 2022, required manufacturers to conform by December 28 this year, with extra time allowed for laptop makers until early 2026. While most devices already utilize USB-C, Apple's reluctance to abandon its proprietary Lightning port exemplified industry resistance to regulatory changes, as their stance had previously been that such regulations could stifle innovation. However, by September last year, Apple had started incorporating USB-C into its products, aligning with EU mandates.
The European Commission emphasized the anticipated environmental benefits, stating that the USB-C standard is expected to cut down on waste significantly. The law could lead to savings of at least 200 million dollars per year while also reducing over a thousand tonnes of electronic waste annually. The shift aims not just at simplifying consumer experience but also at contributing to a greener economy by addressing the substantial waste caused by redundant chargers.
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