Robert Triggs / Android Authority
TL; DR
- The EU may finally pass legislation on June 7 to standardize device chargers.
- The law requires USB-C for all smartphones and tablets, meaning the end of the Apple Lightning connector in Europe.
- Lawmakers are unsure when this will take effect and whether the law will apply to laptops.
After years of working with the concept and months of working to implement it, the EU seems ready to legislate for all phone and tablet manufacturers to standardize USB-C chargers.
The EU’s domestic market and consumer protection committee voted 43-2 in April to move forward with legislation requiring manufacturers to adopt USB-C for device charging. The latest version of the offer extends beyond smartphones and tablets to include laptops, cameras, handheld gaming consoles and more. According to ReutersEU countries and lawmakers are expected to adopt the law by June 7
Read more: The best USB-C cable you can buy
There are still some issues that need to be resolved. For example, while lawmakers are pushing for it, it is unclear whether laptops will be included in the final version. Similarly, lawmakers want the law to take effect in early 2025, but individual countries and EU commissions want a longer adoption period to give lawmakers enough time to amend their designs.
Apple has been the biggest opponent of the law, as the company relies heavily on its own Lightning port on the iPhone and some iPads. In contrast, the Mac, iPad Pro, and iPad Air use USB-C. Google and other Android manufacturers will not be affected.
