The European Union has agreed new rules which mean all smartphones sold in the bloc will be required to have a USB-C port for charging.
The rules are set to come into effect by autumn 2024 and will have a substantial impact on Apple’s iPhone, which is the only major smartphone not to already use the connection. The iPhone uses Apple’s Lightning port for wired charging.
The EU said the new rules aim to reduce hassle for consumers and curb electronic waste by removing the need to buy a new charger with a new device. The rules will apply to “all small and medium-sized portable electronic devices”, while laptops will have to be adapted to fit the requirements 40 months after they come into force.
