On October 4, 2022, the European Parliament approved a law that sets a universal charger standard for all consumer electronics sold within the European Union. The goal is clear: reduce waste and ease life for users who currently own multiple charging cables. By adopting a single, shared charging solution across brands and devices, the EU aims to simplify what people need to charge their tech and curb unnecessary cable clutter at home.
The model chosen for the standard is USB Type-C as the common charging port. This choice aligns with the position many smartphones already take, making the transition smoother for consumers. Yet it drew intense scrutiny from Apple, a company heavily affected by the measure given the widespread use of its own Lightning connector on many devices. Critics argued the change could disrupt longstanding product ecosystems and necessitate new accessories for existing setups.
Before the law came into force, there were many uncertainties about how it would be implemented and what options companies would have. Apple faced questions about how quickly it could align its devices with the new requirement and what compromises might be possible as the market adapted. The law provides for a phased rollout, with a deadline that originally pointed toward 2024, giving manufacturers time to restructure their hardware and accessory lines.
new phones
Until now, Apple products widely used a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. When the law gained approval, Apple signaled that new iPhone models sold in the EU would come with a USB-C charging port instead of a Lightning charger, aligning with the new standard. Some iPad and Mac models have already moved to USB-C, reinforcing the trend toward a universal interface across the company’s lineup. The next day after the law’s approval, Apple announced new iPhone models to feature USB-C charging as part of the broader shift toward standardization.
Analysts noted that Apple might still be developing adapters to bridge existing Lightning accessories with the new USB-C ecosystem. In practice, there will likely be a multi-year transition period during which both ports coexist in the market, as the supply chain adjusts and consumers gradually replace old cables and devices. This coexistence means the tech environment remains compatible for a time while households and businesses adapt their charging setups to the common standard.
Across the industry, the move toward USB-C is expected to streamline accessory production, simplify consumer choice, and potentially reduce e-waste. As devices and cables align with a single interface, regulators hope to see fewer duplicate cables in households, fewer forgotten chargers at work, and a clearer path for recycling and waste management related to electronic accessories. The conversation around the change continues to involve manufacturers, retailers, and consumer groups, all weighing the benefits and transitional challenges of a shared charging solution.[citation needed]