Washington CNN Business —
A landmark law requiring Apple and other electronics manufacturers to use USB-C as a universal charging standard in the European Union has removed the latest procedural hurdle after EU member states voted Monday to approve the legislation.
The new law, which targets smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, portable speakers and a wide variety of other small devices, is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It aims to streamline the number of chargers and cables that consumers have to deal with when purchasing a new device, and to allow users to mix and match devices and chargers, even if they are produced by different manufacturers.
Apple could be one of the most affected by the legislation. The iPhone maker has in the past required users to charge their mobile devices using a proprietary charging connector known as Lightning; under the new rules, Apple would be forced to migrate away from Lightning on its devices sold in the EU. That change, which Apple is reportedly testing for iPhones, could potentially extend to devices Apple sells in other markets as well.
The EU law has yet to be signed by the presidents of the EU parliament and the European Council, according to a release, but those are formalities. Earlier this month, the legislation received final approval from EU lawmakers.
In addition to new, small electronics that will hit the market at the end of 2024, the rules will also apply to larger electronics, such as laptops, from 2026. It will also oblige European officials to streamline wireless charging standards, a technology that is only becoming more widespread.