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EU Reaches Agreement On Legislation Mandating USB-C For Phones And Other Devices By 2024 The rule will apply to electronic devices including tablets, digital cameras, headphones, handheld video game consoles, and e-readers. Laptops will have to comply with the rule at a later date. The legislation also includes provisions designed to address wireless chargers in the future, as well as harmonizing fast-charging standards. An agreement on the scope of the legislation which has been under development for over a decade, was reached this week following negotiations between different EU bodies. “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe!” said the European Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba in a press statement. “European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics.” Upon approval later this year by the EU Parliament and Council, the law will be in place “by autumn 2024,” according to European Parliament press release. All devices covered by the law and sold in the EU will have to use USB-C for wired charging, by this date. While phone manufacturers will have 24 months after the legislation is adopted this summer to adapt their devices, that deadline is longer for laptop-makers: 40 months. Critics say the new legislation will stifle innovation. But the EU disagrees, saying it will update the legislation as new technology is developed. “Don’t think we’re setting something in stone for the next 10 years,” Thierry Breton, commissioner for the EU’s internal market, told the press. “We have a standard that is being developed, and we have a dedicated team that will keep a close eye on all this and adapt as time goes by. We will evolve.” While Android manufacturers have converged upon micro USB and then USB-C as the common charging standard of choice, Apple which has raised concerns over the EU legislation, went from offering phones with its proprietary 30-pin connector to Lightning. However Apple's concerns may be mute as manufacturers adopt wireless charging as standard. Also the company is reportedly testing iPhones with USB-C internally, and could make the switch as early as next year. It already uses the USB-C standard on laptops and some tablets. https://www.keneci.com/more-on-hotfeed-keneci-channel#h.h2gid74htz06