EU USB-C MANDATE NOW ACTIVE – APPLE’S LIGHTNING PORT OFFICIALLY DEAD AS SINGLE CHARGER ERA BEGINS
BRUSSELS – In a landmark move against e-waste, the European Union’s universal USB-C charging law becomes fully enforceable today. All new smartphones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU must now feature USB-C ports – ending a decade-long battle over proprietary chargers and forcing Apple’s final surrender of its Lightning connector.
🔌 KEY IMPACTS
| Device Type | New Requirement | Last Holdout |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | USB-C charging port mandatory | Apple (complied 2023) |
| Tablets | USB-C for charging/data transfer | Older iPads |
| Digital Cameras | USB-C power delivery | Nikon/Canon pro models |
| Future | Laptops by 2026 | – |
🌍 WHY THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
11,000+ tons of e-waste annually expected from redundant chargers (EU Commission)
Consumer savings: €250M+/year from avoided charger purchases
Apple’s pivot: iPhone 15 series ditched Lightning in 2023 – now all iPads follow
Global ripple: Brazil, India, and Australia drafting similar laws
🗣️ REACTIONS
"This is the death knell for proprietary power monopolies. Consumers won today."
– Margrethe Vestager, EU Competition Commissioner
"We’ve used USB-C since 2015. Glad the EU forced stragglers to stop choking the planet with pointless cables."
– Samsung Mobility VP, on X
⚖️ ENFORCEMENT RULES
Fines: Up to 4% of a company’s EU revenue for non-compliance
Scope: Applies to new devices listed for sale in EU after July 10, 2025
Exemptions: Wearables (watches/earbuds) get 2026 deadline
📈 CONSUMER WINS
| Before Mandate | After Mandate |
|---|---|
| 5+ charger types per household | 1 USB-C cable charges all |
| $40 proprietary cables | $10 universal USB-C cables |
| "Sorry, wrong charger" moments | Any cable works anywhere |