EU agrees to make USB-C the common charging port for most devices by 2024

Note: This article was first published on 8 June 2022.

Apple is now obliged to use the USB-C port across the iPhone, iPad and AirPods.

The EU has reached a landmark agreement to introduce a law to make USB-C the common charging port for most consumer electronic devices. It is part of a broader EU strategy to make products more sustainable, to reduce electronic waste, and make consumers' livees easier.

By autumn 2024, the EU will require all manufacturers to equip their mobile phones, notebooks, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable, with a USB Type-C port.

Apple is now forced to ditch the Lightning port which it uses on the iPhone, some iPad models, AirPods and other accessories. The company is rumoured to be replacing the Lightning port on the 2023 iPhone with USB-C.

Source: EU