“It’s time for chargers,” the European Commission sent to X on December 28, 2024. While the sentiment only applies to one continent (and not all) and only certain devices, the General Charger Directive is now applicable in Europe. Union suggests that fewer gadgets will drop barrels, USB-micro, or proprietary plugs to their owners. The General Charger Directive requires that “USB-C receptacles” be equipped with “radio equipment” that is “equipped with a removable or removable battery” and “can be recharged via a cable charger.” If it has a battery and can charge up to 100 watts via a USB-C connection, it generally complies with the EU USB-C requirements. The directive applies to devices that are “placed on the market” – delivered to distributors or buyers – after December 28, even if they were originally designed and sold before that date. Laptops have until April 2026 to comply, but most other things – phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, computer accessories, and wireless headphones – must be supported by USB-C to be sold in the EU from now on. Drones, for the time being, are largely not addressed by the directive, but the EU is likely to approach them. The guidelines contain some exceptions and some wiggle room. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries, such as coin cells or AA/AAA batteries, get a pass, so many smart home gadgets won’t work. There is some cryptic language around recharging devices inside a case or box, although a dedicated earbud case is included in the mandate. Devices that only charge wirelessly are also exempt. And the device can offer other charging options, such as Apple’s MagSafe or a proprietary plug, as long as a USB-C charger is also available. Fewer bricks, standard “Quick Charge”. Apple, which, while initially resisting, has gradually moved its products from the proprietary Lightning connector to USB-C. The latest iMac comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad that all connect via USB-C. The company stopped selling Lightning-charged iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU after December 28. , 3 amperes, or 15 watts—enable the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard. This should ensure that they actually negotiate the charging rate with any charger with USB PD instead of needing their own charger brick or adapter. In Europe, devices must indicate on the product box whether they contain a charging plug or a mid-cord brick. A different label will show the minimum and maximum power the device needs to charge and whether it can support USB PD or not. Can the EU Make Cables and Cables Work? that mandates USB-C as “THE charger” can stifle companies innovating in other ways of power delivery. Most of these criticisms are addressed in the actual text of the law, as more powerful devices are exempt, secondary power plugs are allowed, and wireless generally gets a pass. “What if USB-D comes?” No one can answer that, even if there is an obvious reason not to address e-waste, fragmentation, and consumer confusion in the larger device charging ecosystem. it is something for the member states. In addition, it cannot be proven that the company will comply with international product lines or only make certain EU-compliant products. This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.
