As 2024 draws to a close, the European Union’s Common Charger Directive has officially taken effect, marking a seismic shift in the electronics industry. The new law mandates that all electronic devices sold within the EU must feature USB-C charging ports, effectively rendering older Apple iPhones with Lightning connectors unsellable in the region.
This legislation hailed as a win for consumers and the environment, signifies the end of Apple’s long-standing Lightning cable era within the EU and underscores the growing trend of universal charging standards globally.
The Common Charger Directive applies to a wide array of electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, e-readers, and peripherals like keyboards and mice. The regulation took effect on December 28, 2024, for most devices, while laptops will have until April 28, 2026, to comply.
Since its announcement in 2022, the directive has prompted companies worldwide to adopt USB-C ports, streamlining production and fostering compatibility. Apple, which initially resisted the mandate, began phasing out Lightning ports starting with the iPhone 15 in 2023.
Apple’s Lightning cable, introduced in 2012, was once considered a technological leap forward. However, as the EU pushed for a universal standard, Apple had to adapt. On the directive’s enforcement date, Apple discontinued the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU, as these models relied on Lightning connectors. These devices remain available in non-EU markets, but the shift highlights the company’s need to align its product lineup with global regulations.
The EU projects significant benefits from the USB-C mandate. Consumers could save up to €250 million annually by reducing the need to buy proprietary chargers and cables. The legislation is also expected to cut electronic waste by an estimated 11,000 tonnes per year, a substantial step toward more sustainable consumer practices.
Although the law is specific to the EU, its implications extend far beyond European borders. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting USB-C ports universally to simplify production and cater to a global market.
