European Union mandates USB-C for all new smartphones and other electronics
This covers all manufacturers.
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| File photo: iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Reducing waste and more
Starting December 28, the European Union announced that all new gadgets sold in the EU should have a USB Type-C charging port, regardless of the company that manufactured the device.
To recap, EU finalized the legislation in 2022 that will require ALL future smartphones sold in the region to have USB-C—this includes the iPhones. The result is Apple was forced to implement Type-C USB connectivity starting with the iPhone 15 Series last year and continuing with the iPhone 16 Series this year.
Authorities said in a statement that the rules apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, and earbuds sold in the EU. Laptops will be included starting April 28, 2026.
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| Screenshot from EU Parliament's X account |
The move aims to "help minimize electronic waste and simplify [consumers'] everyday life."
Among the benefits of the mandate is charging mobile phones and other similar devices with one USB-C charger regardless of the brand. Doing so will help consumers save around EUR 250 million a year, or around PHP 15 billion, on unnecessary charger purchases.
This policy will also help reduce e-waste as discarded and unused chargers account for about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
The Council of the EU approved the Common Charger Directive in October 2022, providing manufacturers with a transition period to adapt their products to the new regulations.
Should the Philippines implement the same policy?
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