The European Union has selected the date by which USB-C charging will become mandatory for a wide range of devices, including smartphones.
As The Verge reports, the common charger directive has been published in the EU's official journal, which means it's definitely happening, but also states a date by which it must happen. That date is Dec. 28, 2024.
The text of the directive makes it clear that "laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive" must be published by Dec. 28, 2023. After that, member states "shall apply those measures from 28 December 2024 for the categories or classes of radio equipment referred to in Part I."
The categories and classes covered includes smartphones, tablets, ereaders, digital cameras, handheld video game consoles, and headphones. A second set of categories, including laptops, will come into force on April 28, 2026.
For manufacturers, it offers a very clear deadline and plenty of time to plan out the move to USB-C charging if their devices haven't already. Apple is one of the companies having to make the biggest adjustment because the iPhone continues to rely on a Lightning port for recharging. The company has admitted it will make the switch because, "we have no choice."