Technology
EU Standardises Charging Points For Electronic Devices; Apple Reportedly Set To Follow Suit

Your next iPhone could feature a USB-C charging port in lieu of the iconic lightning port that has been in use for nearly a decade after negotiators from the European Parliament and 27 European Union (EU) member states agreed to standardise charging ports for smartphones and other electronic devices.
The ruling that would come into effect by mid-2024 was announced today [June 7] and is expected to create a direct impact on devices and peripherals using alternative charging ports; namely, Apple products and laptops that have for long used other means to deliver power.
Apple, as per Bloomberg, was reportedly “angered” by the decision citing that it would “reduce innovation” – but has since begun testing on iPhones with USB-C ports.
It must be noted that Apple laptops already feature USB-C ports for charging after they ditched the Lightning connector as early as 2015. Today, phones – specifically Android-enabled smartphones – make up a majority of the USB-C charging ports, while some laptops and netbooks have followed suit too.
The new regulation will directly impact tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, earphones, headphones, and portable speakers alongside smartphones and laptops.
Why The Switch?
The plan to standardise charging ports has been at play since last year and comes as the European Commission estimated that the switch would save consumers an estimated US$267mn each year. It will also reduce e-waste as the cross-compatibility of electronic chargers increases.
While smartphones and tablets will have to comply by the fall of 2024, laptops will have more time – some 40 months after the rules go into effect – to make the switch, as per Bloomberg.
We learn that nearly half of the chargers sold with mobile phones in 2018 had a USB micro-B connector, while 29 per cent had a USB-C connector, and 21 per cent had a Lightning connector.
-
Banking & Finance3 days ago
Oman Arab Bank Announces Increase of Authorised Capital to RO500mn and Paid‑In Capital Boost of RO50mn
-
OER Magazines2 months ago
OER, April 25
-
Renewables1 month ago
Jindal Renewables and OQ Alternative Energy Sign Joint Development Agreement to Advance Integrated Renewable Power Projects in Oman
-
Business2 months ago
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 unveils its Business Programme
-
Leaders Speak1 month ago
OERLive SPOTLIGHT: Oman Sustainability Week 2025 and Oman Petroleum & Energy Show
-
Alamaliktistaad Magazines1 month ago
Al-Iktisaad, May 25
-
OER Magazines1 month ago
OER, May 2025
-
Banking & Finance2 months ago
How is National Bank of Oman Working Towards Creating a Robust Fintech Ecosystem?