The European Union has been preparing this for a while, but an agreement has just been reached on USB-C and the universal charger. Explanations!
It is done ! The European Council and the European Parliament have finally reached an agreement on the adoption of a universal charger, with the ready-made solution of a USB Type-C port which will be made compulsory in 2 years. Here is what the European Parliament says about USB Type-C:
Today we have made the universal charger a reality in Europe! Consumers will no longer have to purchase a charger with each new mobile device. We are proud that laptops, e-readers, headsets, keyboards, computer mice and portable navigation devices are also included. We have also improved consumer information and labeling and added provisions for wireless charging, as this is the next evolution in charging technology.
Apple in the viewfinder with its absence of USB-C
Very clearly, Apple and its products are covered by this type of agreement since the manufacturer has been using its Lightning port or other proprietary solutions for many years.
After the summer break, Parliament and Council will have to formally approve the deal before it is published in the Official Journal of the EU. It will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal and its provisions will begin to apply after 24 months.
In other words, the application is scheduled for 2024. This gives Apple another year of respite before having to adopt USB-C in Europe or risk no longer being able to market its products on the old continent.