EU gives Apple to December 2024 to meet common charger directive

Apple has two years until December 2024 to ensure its products comply with the new EU Directive using USB C instead of Lightning, its proprietary iPhone charging technology since 2012.

 Directive (EU) 2022/2380 harmonises laws on radio equipment with accessories and that developing a common charger for particular categories or classes of radio equipment is necessary for the benefit of consumers and to reduce e-waste.

Says the Directive:

“Interoperability between radio equipment and accessories, such as chargers, is hampered as there are different charging interfaces for certain categories or classes of radio equipment that use wired charging, such as handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones or headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops. 

“In addition, there are several types of fast-charging communication protocols for which a minimum level of performance is not always guaranteed. As a result, Union action is required to promote a common degree of interoperability and the provision of information relating to the charging characteristics of radio equipment to consumers and other end-users.

“ It is, therefore, necessary to introduce suitable requirements in Directive 2014/53/EU regarding the charging communication protocols, the charging interfaces”.