EU Parliament Votes To Mandate Universal Charger

October 4, 2022 European Union, Technology

Bloomberg News reports:

Members of the European Parliament voted to force companies such as Apple Inc. to adapt products that don’t already feature a standard USB-C charger to use one. This would include iPhones, in Apple’s case. A total of 602 lawmakers voted for the plan on Tuesday, with 13 against, and eight abstaining.

The deal, provisionally agreed in June between the commission and the European Union’s 27 countries, still needs to get the final sign-off from the EU member states. The rules are likely to be written into law at the beginning of 2023.

Axios reports:



The decision will have a distinct effect on manufacturers like Apple, which has designed some of its devices such as iPhones around unique chargers. Some of Apple’s current tablets and laptops already use the USB-C charger, as do some Android phones.

The new rule will also apply to a range of other devices, such as video game consoles, keyboards, portable speakers and headphones. Apple has previously said the measure would dampen innovation and create more electronic waste, Reuters reported.

The European Commission has estimated that the law will save consumers a combined 250 million euros per year “on unnecessary charger purchases.”

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