The era of Apple being awkward with charging cables is officially over

The EU is very skeptical of monopolies, except when it comes to the convenience of charging mobile devices using cables.

In the new year, some mobile devices will only be able to be sold as a unit if they can be topped up via a USB-C port and associated cable.

Essentially, even though Brexit “takes back control” it means the Brits will benefit from the same laws because global manufacturers aren’t likely to bother making a special device for our little island, are they?

Changes occurred years after they were agreed by the European Union in October 2022. It came into force on December 28 this year for mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, games consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and in-ear headphones sold in the EU.

Laptops are given a 16-month grace period until April 2026 to comply, which is understandable as our productivity machines often require more power.

The EU says the project will reduce e-waste by 11,000 tonnes a year and will also save EU residents €250 million a year in charger replacement costs. Interoperability is also a driving force behind this move, which ultimately convinced Apple to adopt the USB-C standard in favor of its own Lightning preferences.

As a result, the company recently pulled the iPhone 14 line from sale in the EU to comply with new regulations. Apple is gradually moving its products to USB-C, and MacBooks, AirPods, iPhones, and iPads now charge via USB-C.

“Are you tired of rummaging through your desk drawer looking for the right phone charger? The EU has your back! Since the EU has standardized charging ports for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices, all new devices sold in the EU must now support USB-C charging. This will reduce the number of chargers you need to buy, help minimize electronic waste and make your daily life easier,” the EU said. press release.

Most manufacturers have already complied with the rules, but this effectively kills the idea that a manufacturer might come up with a new charging standard that would upset the apple cart, so to speak.

This also means that there will likely be more collaboration across the board when it comes to the next standard, whatever that may be. However, for now, USB-C still seems to have a lot of legs left. Now all you need to do is change plugs on planes, cafes and everywhere in between!