Oh boy, it’s been 2 years ever since this particular press release was published on the official EU website so yup – 2025 is now the present year and the USB-C mandate is live.
For those who need a quick refresh, the European Union is tired of any reason for corporates to not adopt a common connector that is convenient, loaded with enough lines for power and data pins, and overall openly available for any relevant business to implement.
Therefore, they officially passed a bill in 2022 that by the end of 2024, all mobile phones + tablets + cameras sold in the EU need to use USB-C for charging. For laptops, it is going to take another 2 years which is by 2026.
EU authorities argued that the move to USB-C allows consumers to rely on a single charger for multiple devices which in turn, cuts down on the demand for new charger production thus reducing environmental waste and any associated carbon footprint.
Furthermore, the rise of powerful and capable charging bricks like GaN chargers that often come with a variety of USB-A + USB-C ports could also streamline the cross-compatibility of high-wattage charging standards so that a uniform performance could be obtained regardless of charger brands.
Looking from another perspective, this move also effectively eliminates the “lock-in” practices of certain manufacturers, compelling them to adopt a common standard. Apple, in particular, resisted the mandate, citing concerns over stifled innovation and potential harm to consumers and the economy.
Despite this, Apple has since complied, introducing USB-C with the iPhone 15, marking a departure from its proprietary Lightning port. But even then, the “MFi” standards are not going away, and using a non-MFi” USB-C cable will still be as janky as ever. Classic Apple.
Additionally, the EU estimates that reusing old chargers could save consumers up to €250 million annually while significantly reducing e-waste, which currently amounts to 11,000 tonnes per year from discarded chargers alone. By fostering interoperability and reducing the environmental footprint, the USB-C mandate represents a win for both consumers and the planet.
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