All mobile devices to be compatible with USB-C ports from this year

As what will come as music to many ears, all mobile devices, tablets, and other key electronics will have to use USB-C ports from December 2024.

I’ve got a custom iPod (remember those?) that my wife bought me many years ago, which I no longer use as for the life of me, I cannot find its charger. I know, I could just buy one from eBay, but I keep forgetting and it would be so much easier if I were able to use any of the countless USB cables that I have scattered throughout my house.

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Thankfully, however, at least for all modern mobile devices you will soon only require USB-C (as well as any updated USB cables that follow) to charge your tech. Apple had already begun the process of using USB-C ports in 2023 but somehow managed to make it ultra-expensive.

In a tweet shared by the European Parliament, it reads: “From 28 December 2024 all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will be equipped with a standard USB Type-C charging port, making it easier for you and better for the environment.”

In an extended statement issued on Europa.eu, the legislation will also be extended to laptops from spring 2026. “The new law, adopted by plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and to empower consumers to make more sustainable choices,” it reads.

“Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one single charger for a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.

“Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops that are rechargeable via a wired cable, operating with a power delivery of up to 100 Watts, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port.”

It concludes: “All devices that support fast charging will now have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.”

It may take a while for all devices to adopt the USB-C port, but at least we can take comfort in knowing that eventually, most electrical devices will use the same cable which should result in fewer occasions frantically searching our homes in the hope of finding that one ancient cable to charge an iPod of yesteryear.