USB-C Common Charger

Wow it has been 16 years since I proposed the Universal Supply Bus (USB) to be the common charging standard and then of course to be upgraded by USB-C. This seems to be super obvious to everyone now. But not everyone remembers how it was "before" - basically every accessory unit had its own power brick. Seems unthinkable and stupid now. But you still have the recollection what it was in the form of Apple devices, stupidly pushing their own "lightning" agenda (but only for iPhones, as iPads and laptops have been USB-C for 5 years now).

The EU USB-C mandate is official this week.

By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops. The new law, adopted by plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favor, 13 against and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and to empower consumers to make more sustainable choices.

Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops that are rechargeable via a wired cable, operating with a power delivery of up to 100 Watts, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port.

EU cites e-waste, which to some extent is marketing, but apart from being green, USB-C standardization as a power delivery format is just convenient. And I don't see any excuse anyone would have from that.

Just this week I happened to fly on an Airbus A320 Neo (probably the finest single-aisle plane ever built - it is super quiet) and it already was offering two USB (A and C) in-seat power options. No more power bricks, no more trying which way the plug should go in, no more weak power / custom vendor extensions. Just like a regular wall socket. Plug and charge.