We’ve all been there: you need to charge your device and don’t know if you brought the correct charger. On top of that, the connectors are different sizes and shapes depending on what type of device you’re charging. Earlier in the year, we covered how the European Parliament was looking to address this issue. But now the European Parliament has finally voted to implement a single charging port standard across all manufacturers. Starting in 2024, the EU will use one universal charger—the USB-C—for mobile phones and tablets alike. Will this mean the US will have charger homogeny soon as well?
Who will the same charger vote affect?
The EU has made it mandatory for mobile phones, tablets, and cameras to have the same type of charger. However, this is not as straightforward as it seems. Apple will have to redesign its proprietary charging port to conform with the new law. This may confuse consumers who are used to Apple devices being incompatible with third-party chargers.
In response, Apple will most likely include a USB-C cable in their box and allow consumers the opportunity to purchase adaptors for older devices. That prediction is based on Apple’s previous behavior when changing charging ports. And Apple’s business choices will also define whether the European Parliament’s vote affects the US.
How do we benefit from this change?
The USB-C connector is the future of connectivity now. Having a single charging port type will give us a more consistent experience. We have a lot of comforts to gain from charger homogeny. No longer will you have to figure out which cable works with your device or carry around multiple chargers just in case you run into someone with another type of phone. USB-C cables are also reversible, so they don’t matter which way they go, making them even easier to use. No more fumbling about connecting your USB cable!
And although the mandate only applies to the EU, we might see USB-C Apple products make their way to the US. Some newer MacBook and MacBook Pro devices already use USB-C as a charging port. Beyond that, it probably won’t make sense for Apple to create two manufacturing lines: one with USB-C ports and another with the iPhone’s lightning port. That’s why Apple will probably make all iPhones USB-C if they’re forced to do so for the EU. It’s speculation, yes, but it seems like the easiest- at least more efficient- business choice.
