The USB-C port is now mandatory on all mobile devices starting December 28 in the EU. Here are all the details.
USB-C becomes mandatory on all mobile devices in the European Union starting at the end of 2024. The decision has been made and it is now official. Starting December 24, 2024, all mobile devices sold in European Union countries will need to have a common charging port, that is, a USB-C port. That might not be big news for Android-based manufacturers, but it’s certainly something for Apple. In addition to the USB-C port, USB Power Delivery is also required on some devices.
In the eligible mobile devices section, product categories include phones, tablet, camerapair of headphones and headphone, headsets, handheld game consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice and portable navigation systems. These products sold in the EU will require a USB Type-C port to be sold.
Mandatory USB-C on all mobile devices
In addition to the mandatory USB-C port, the regulations also mandate USB Power Delivery on devices with higher 15W charging. Therefore, manufacturers will need to make sure their products support USB PD. Again, this won’t be a problem for most Android phone manufacturers but it can be a big problem for Apple.
With the law in place, Apple now has to guarantee two things for its next-generation iPhones. The first is the presence of a USB-C port, and the second is the need for USB PD support. Apple’s iPhone supports 20W wired charging, and by law it will have to comply.
However, there is one vulnerability that Apple could use. The law doesn’t say anything about wireless charging. As a result, the iPhones of the future can rely on MagSafe wireless charging and wireless data transmission solutions.
That said, top Apple executives have recently hinted at complying with the law, Rumor has it that the iPhone 15 series in 2023 could switch to a USB-C port, with the iPhone 15 standard and iPhone 15 Plus supports USB 2.0 speeds and Pro variants support faster USB 3.2 speeds. The new iPhone SE 4 is also said to have a USB-C port.
What remains to be seen is whether Apple will modify its iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 models with USB-C.
