European Union member states voted on Monday to approve legislation requiring Apple and other electronics makers to adopt USB-C as the universal standard charger in the bloc.
The law covers a variety of small devices, including smartphones, tablets, cameras and headphones starting in 2024, and will include larger devices like laptops in 2026.
Apple is known for requiring a proprietary “Lightning” charging connector for its mobile devices, including the iPhone and iPad.
Under the new legislation, Apple will be forced to abandon Lightning chargers for devices sold in the EU.
In addition to mandatory USB-C charging ports, the new EU directive allows consumers to choose whether to purchase a new charger with a new device.
The legislation must now be signed by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the European Council.
