BRUSSELS, Belgium: To comply with new rules aimed at standardizing charging ports for most electronic devices, Apple will have to change chargers for its iPhones sold in the EU starting in fall 2024.
The reform, the first of its kind in the world, was passed in the European Parliament this week and confirms an earlier agreement between the EU institutions.
The new rules force Apple to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices, making USB-C connectors used in Android devices the standard across the EU.
From 2026, the rule will also apply to laptops, giving manufacturers time to make changes. Of the major manufacturers, Apple will be hit the hardest.
After the vote, shares rose in European semiconductor makers, including Apple suppliers STMicro and Infineon.
Apple, Samsung and Huawei did not respond to requests for comment.
Alex Agius Saliba, the EU lawmaker who steered the reform through the European Parliament, said that under the reform mobile phones and other devices sold after autumn 2024 must be compatible with the single charger, although old chargers will not be banned so customers can continue to use older models.
Parliament extended the original proposal by the EU’s executive commission, which included only seven types of devices, although lawmakers added laptops to the list.
Apple warned that the proposal would harm innovation and generate electronic waste.
Although it has been discussed for a few years, the change was prompted by complaints from iPhone and Android users about having to switch chargers.
According to the European Commission, a single charger would save consumers about $247.3 million.
Source: sn.dk