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Smartphones, tablets… The universal USB-C charger becomes obligatory, what that (really) changes for you

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Chloe Berry

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Dec 28 2024 at 7:13 a.m.

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Apple, Samsung and the others will have to comply. And no longer invent chargers over the new editions of their phones.

From this Saturday, December 28, 2024, all devices sold new must now be powered by a single chargerthat of type USB-C.

The measure does not concern not just smartphones : tablets, e-readers, cameras, game consoles, headphones and headsets, but also mice or keyboards will have to comply with this new standard.

Decree No. 2023-1271, which comes into force in on Saturday December 28, 2024, coincides with the application deadline set in the European Union (EU). The decision voted by the European Parliament aims to limit the production of electronic waste.

A (small) impact on the portfolio

However, the decision should also have a direct effect on the wallet, praises the European Commission.

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Because in addition to a single charger, the measure also imposes a standardization of fast charging on devices and the obligation to offer new devices for sale with or without a charger.

According to the Commission, this should result in savings of 250 million euros per year. A relatively small amount at European Union level: a little more than 50 euro cents per inhabitant.

What impact on the environment?

According to European institutions, discarded or unused chargers represent around 11,000 tonnes of waste per year in the European Union (EU). The new regulations should make it possible to reduce their annual quantity by almost 1,000 tonnes.

The already widespread USB-C standard

The entry into force of the measure this Saturday should not, however, be accompanied by a radical change. Discussed for several years, the USB-C standard has already been widely adopted by electronic device manufacturers.

Apple, which equipped its iPhones with chargers “ lightning» developed by the brand, for a time displayed its opposition to the adoption of this new rule, accusing it in particular of “harm innovation”.

A “lightning” type charger marketed by Apple. (©Pixabay / illustration)

But the Californian company finally abandoned its standoff with the European Union by marketing a new model (the iPhone 15) equipped with a USB-C port from 2023.

Now all of its products, laptops, tablets and headphones are also compatible with the universal charger.

Many competing brands, such as Samsung, Xiaomi and Google, have already adopted this type of charging port.

Tolerance at the beginning

The National Frequency Agency (ANFR) will be responsible for monitoring the proper application of this rule in France. Verifications will be carried out directly within points of saleand not from the manufacturers.

Sellers will, however, have a allowed time limit regarding devices entering European territory before Saturday, time to sell off their stocks to the public.

This rule relating to the date of entry into European territory will also apply to refurbished devices.

From spring 2026this regulation will also apply to laptops.

With AFP.

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