Starting December 28, 2024, the European Union’s new Common Charger Directive will require all electronic devices sold within the EU to feature USB-C charging ports. This means older iPhones, which use Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector, are no longer compliant with the law. As a result, Apple has been forced to discontinue the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU, as these models still rely on the Lightning connector.
The directive applies to a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers, e-readers, and more. For most devices, the deadline for compliance is December 28, 2024, while laptops have until April 28, 2026, to make the switch to USB-C.
The EU first introduced the legislation in 2022, and since then, many companies, including Apple, have worked to update their designs. The iPhone 15, released last year, was the first Apple phone to adopt the USB-C standard, marking a significant shift for the company.
The goal of the directive is to streamline charging across different devices and reduce electronic waste. The EU estimates that this move could save consumers up to €250 million annually and cut down on 11,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year. The directive also encourages more sustainable consumer practices by promoting universal charging standards.
While this change only applies within the EU, it has prompted broader adoption of USB-C charging worldwide, simplifying production and reducing the need for multiple cables and chargers.
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