USB-C gets a bit more universal as the EU’s mandate goes into effect
Fewer bricks, standardized “fast charging”
The most significant impact of this USB-C requirement on Apple so far is that during the initial resistancehas gradually shifted its products away from its proprietary Lightning connector and toward USB-C. Its latest iMac comes with Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad. All connected via USB-C. The company stopped selling iPhone 14 and iPhone SE that support lightning charging in the EU after December 28.
People who understand electrical terminology and live in EU member states will soon have a better idea of how much cable they need to buy for their latest gadgets.
Image source: European Commission
In addition to simply requiring USB-C ports, the directive also requires that any product with “fast charging” capabilities (drawing more than 5 volts, 3 amps or 15 watts) must comply with the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard. This should ensure they correctly negotiate charging rates with any charger that has USB PD, rather than requiring their own proprietary charging block or adapter.
In Europe, devices must indicate on their product box whether a charging plug or neutral brick is included. Different labels will indicate the minimum and maximum power required to charge the device and whether it supports USB PD.
Can the EU get cables and wires to live in harmony?
The EU’s celebratory post about Most of these criticisms were addressed in the actual text of the law, as more powerful devices were exempted, auxiliary power plugs were allowed, and wireless was largely passed. “So what when USB-D arrives?” It’s a question no one can really answer, although it seems like a vague reason to avoid addressing e-waste, fragmentation, and consumer confusion about the large device-charging ecosystem.
It remains to be seen how the Universal Charger Directive will be implemented, as this is decided by the member states. Also unconfirmed is whether the company will comply with the regulation across its international product lines or simply produce specific products that meet EU standards.
A previous version of this article did not include the updated higher wattage limit (240 watts) included in the revised version of this directive. Als regretted the mistake.
2025-01-02 19:49:37