Smartphone, tablets, e-readers… the universal charger becomes mandatory for all these devices

From December 28, 2024, a small technological revolution is required in France and the European Union: all small electronic devices must be equipped with a USB-C port. This decision, resulting from a European directive adopted in 2022, aims to simplify the lives of consumers while reducing electronic waste.

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1,000 tonnes less electronic waste

USB-C, already widely used on many Android devices, thus becomes the universal standard. Smartphones, tablets, e-readers, headphones, headsets, and even keyboards or mice are affected. From 2026, laptops will also have to comply with this obligation. This standardization allows for increased compatibility between brands and eliminates the headache of incompatible cables. It also ensures uniform fast charging speed, an added benefit for users. A measure which should also have a significant ecological impact. Every year, around 11,000 tonnes of unused or discarded magazines are generated in the European Union. With the universal charger, this volume could decrease by around 1,000 tonnes. Most manufacturers had already anticipated this development; Apple resisted for a long time before complying with its recent models. Old non-compliant devices may still be sold until stocks last.