We reported to you at the end of 2023, the European Union imposes its solution to the puzzle of the multiplication of ports and cable standards. From today, Saturday December 28, USB-C becomes the universal standard for charging electronic devices in France and the EU. A measure that particularly affects Apple, which has long been reluctant to abandon its Lightning connector introduced with the iPhone 5.
A big change for the mobile ecosystem
This new regulation concerns a wide range of electronic devices: smartphones, tablets, wireless headphones, portable game consoles, digital cameras, e-readers, wireless keyboards and mice. All new products released for sale must be equipped with a USB-C port allowing charging up to 100 watts. Laptops will follow suit from April 26, 2026. Note that the MagSafe port on MacBooks is not affected as USB-C remains an alternative charging port.
For Apple, this change marks a historic turning point. After resisting for a long time, arguing that this standardization could “stifle innovation”, the Cupertino company finally adopted USB-C with its iPhone 15 in 2023. A change which extended to its entire range of products, including AirPods and accessories like Mac peripherals lately. This is also why it has just stopped selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE, the latest models with Lightning port in its range.
Promised environmental and economic benefits
The impact of this measure should be considerable on the environmental level. According to estimates by the European Commission, this standardization would reduce electronic waste by 11,000 tonnes per year in the European Union. In financial terms, the savings for European consumers are estimated at around 250 million euros annually.
Another major change concerns the sale of devices: manufacturers will have to offer their products with or without a charger, leaving the choice to the consumer. A pictogram on the packaging will clearly indicate whether a charger is included or not. This measure aims to reduce unnecessary accumulation of chargers, although there may be compatibility issues. In the Android world there are dozens of charging standards and not all of them are supported by every charger, which risks further slowing down the adoption of new standards.
In France, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) will be responsible for ensuring compliance with these new rules, with checks planned at points of sale and warehouses. A transition period is planned for existing stocks, in particular for reconditioned devices entering European territory before the deadline. In any case, sellers of USB-C cables have a bright future ahead of them.
Finally, don’t throw your Lightning and/or micro-USB cables in the trash! Ideally bring them to an Apple Store, or to any electronics store (Fnac, Boulanger, LDLC, etc.), they will be able to recycle and recover them. Otherwise, keep them, they can be of great help to you from time to time.
Switch from USB-C to Lightning or vice versa
To be ready for anything as an Apple customer, here are two inexpensive accessories that are essential if you have devices with an old charging port:
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