Portable electronic devices sold in the EU will require USB-C charging by autumn 2024 Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Portable electronic devices sold in the EU will require USB-C charging by autumn 2024 UPDATE: UK not copying plans. News by Ed Nightingale News reporter Updated on 9 Jun 2022 58 comments UPDATE 09/06/22: The UK is not "currently considering" copying the charger rule planned by the European Union. As per Brexit, the UK does not have to comply with the new rule, although by the current post-Brexit arrangement the regulation would still apply in Northern Ireland as it remains inside the EU's single market for goods. Critics of the regulation have stated it will stifle innovation, despite the benefits for reducing electronic waste. A UK government spokesperson told the BBC "we are not currently considering replicating this requirement". ORIGINAL STORY 08/06/22: By autumn 2024, all portable electronic devices sold in the EU will need to use USB Type-C for charging. The European Commission announced plans for this last year and has now issued a press release confirming the 2024 deadline. The aim is to reduce electronic waste and be more consumer friendly by having just one "common charger". Watch on YouTube Eurogamer Newscast: Will we subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium, and how does Xbox cope with the loss of Starfield this year? "Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices," reads the press release. "The charging speed is also harmonised for devices that support fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger." The new rules will impact phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and rechargeable portable speakers. Laptops will also need to use USB-C, though there's an extra 40 months added to the autumn 2024 deadline. The Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck consoles both already use USB-C for charging. The biggest impact, then, will be Apple's iPhones and iPads, which will no longer be able to use lightning cables. That said, as its new devices can also be charged wirelessly, this could become the new standard. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store