USB-C as a standard for all devices: this is what you need to know

After a long discussion, the EU recently reached an agreement: the USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all devices in the EU, regardless of their manufacturer. This means that all smartphones, tablets and cameras will contain a USB-C charging port in the future.

Why a common charging port for all devices?

The decision to make the USB-C type the standard charging port for all devices has advantages for consumers as well as for the environment. Nowadays, devices mostly require different chargers that are suitable for the corresponding charging port. The new rules would mean that consumers will no longer need different charger devices and cables for every new device they purchase.

Cheaper and easier for consumers

Consumers will be able to use just one single charger for all their small to medium-sized electronic portable devices. This makes consumers’ lives easier because it’s no longer necessary to think about the way to charge their newly bought device. The re-use of chargers will help save consumers money on unnecessary charger purchases. All in all, the new rules will expectedly save consumers €250 million a year on charger purchases.

Better for the environment

E-waste: you’ve probably heard of it. E-waste is electronic waste that includes any electrical or electronic equipment that’s been discarded. The waste reaches from working or broken devices to plugs, cords, electronic components and chargers. These are often thrown away and end up in places like the garbage belt. This can be dangerous due to toxic chemicals that naturally leach from the metals inside. Nowadays, disposed of and unused chargers represent approximately 11.000 tons of e-waste annually. The new common USB-C charge port law will eventually cut down on this amount of e-waste, which is great for the planet.

And, other than these 2 main reasons, the new agreement will also make sure that every device supports fast charging. In addition, the law has a positive impact on technical innovation.

Upcoming steps of the new USB-C port rules

This new agreement has a big impact on manufacturers in the electronical industry, especially for Apple since they make use of their own company’s proprietary Lightning connector charger protocol. By autumn 2024, the new USB-C type law will go into effect. This gives manufacturers time to adjust to the new rules. The new rules apply to small to medium portable devices at first and 40 months after the law takes effect, laptops will also have to comply with the new rules. The law will not apply to products placed on the market before the date of application.

How this new standard affects (y)our business

The new standard will not only affect the manufacturers of devices, but also the repair industry. For instance, think of the following things:

• Less space in stock is needed since only 1 type of cable is required. This applies to retailers that sell cables to consumers, but also to the spareparts stock of the repair industry.
• There’s more room for technical innovation and specialization since the focus will be on only the USB-C type of cable.
• For technicians in the repair industry it will be easier to repair charging ports because only knowledge of USB-C charging ports is required.