The European Union's landmark rule mandating a universal charger for electronic devices officially came into effect on Saturday. The regulation requires all new smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, and other electronic gadgets sold within the 27-member bloc to be equipped with a USB-C charging port. The move, hailed as a win for consumers and the environment, aims to reduce costs and e-waste by eliminating the need for multiple chargers.

The legislation, approved in 2022, granted manufacturers until December 28, 2024, to comply, with laptops given a longer deadline of 2026. While most companies had already adopted USB-C, tech giant Apple initially resisted, arguing that such mandates hinder innovation. However, Apple transitioned to USB-C for its devices in 2023, marking a significant shift in the industry.

The European Commission expects the rule to save consumers over €200 million annually and cut thousands of tonnes of electronic waste each year. Highlighting USB-C's capabilities, such as faster charging and data transfer speeds, the EU emphasized the law’s environmental and practical benefits. "It’s time for THE charger," the European Commission declared, underscoring its commitment to simplifying charging technology while fostering sustainability.