A universal charger for mobile phones will become mandatory by the end of 2024.

This is a topic that comes up regularly, but has never seen a real implementation: a universal charger. Already in 2009, the European Union committed to introducing a compatible charging system for all mobile phones within three years. But this was without the inertia of the administrations, and especially without the lobbying of manufacturers. Therefore, it took more than ten years for such a system to finally see the light of day.

In fact, it is this Thursday that the decree and the procedure for its implementation should appear in the Official Journal, the Directorate General of Enterprises (DGE) tells us, transposing the European rules into French law. This applies the principle of a universal charger to all models and brands of phones.

But be careful: only from December 28, 2024. Therefore, we will have to wait another year before we see phones equipped with a single USB-C port in stores. Whether they are made by Samsung, Apple, Google, Xiaomi, Huawei or other industry giants…

Computers will wait until April 2026

Some of them took the initiative. Thus, Apple’s latest addition, the iPhone 15, as well as the Apple Watch Series 9, introduced a few weeks ago, are already equipped with this connector, as are the latest models of Apple brand laptops and tablets.

“The aim of this new regulation is, in particular, to prevent the generation of thousands of tons of electronic waste,” we explain to the DGE affiliated with Bercy. It will also make life easier for hundreds of millions of users across the continent. According to the European Commission, 38% of consumers say they have failed to charge their mobile phone at least once due to compatibility issues.

“This new regulation should also allow European consumers to save 250 million euros each year by preventing the purchase of unnecessary chargers,” the DGE further said, citing Commission data. On the other hand, with computers you will have to be a little more patient. A universal charger for this type of device will not become mandatory until April 26, 2026.