Apple will have to ditch the Lightning charger in Europe

On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved new rules for small and medium-sized electronic devices, which will come into force from the end of 2024. For larger devices such as laptops, these rules will apply from spring 2026. This is another step by the European Union to compel electronics suppliers to apply a single type of charging for smartphones and tablets.

By law, electronic devices sold in the European Union should be equipped with a USB-C type connector. This applies to smartphones, headphones, portable speakers, game consoles, and cameras. To comply with the new law, Apple will have to abandon proprietary Apple Lightning-type charging standards that the company's devices are equipped with.

After this offer, legislators from all over the world started to call on governments to adopt laws with similar standards. In the USA this year, three Democratic senators approached the Department of Trade and Commerce with an offer to create a "comprehensive strategy" around chargers for consumer convenience and waste reduction. 

According to a report of the European Parliament, during the discussion of the law, Apple said that the law would obsolete a huge number of devices with a Lightning connector.

A study included in the report showed that iPhones with a Lightning connector accounted for 18% of new mobile device sales. At the same time, 44% of devices sold were equipped with a connector and 38% with an older version of Micro-USB B.

The law was voted on Tuesday. The law received the support of a majority in the European Parliament: 602 in favor, 13 against, and eight abstained. Now, for final adoption, it should be considered by the European Council.