iPhones aren’t the only gadgets being forced to USB-C
Many laptops will have to have USB-C for charging by spring 2026.
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What you need to know
TheEuropean Parliament just passed a lawthat will require many electronic devices to feature USB-C ports for charging. The new rule from the EUmade headlines because it willrequire iPhones to use USB-C. That is unless Apple removes physical charging from them altogether. But mobile devices aren’t the only gadgets that will have to have USB-C. Many of thebest Windows laptopsand a long list of other devices will need to share the same charging solution.
The requirement to use a single charging solution will roll out in phases. By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the European Union will have to have a USB-C charging port. In the spring of 2026, the requirement will extend to laptops.
The European Parliament shared a list of devices that will have to use USB-C in the future:
In addition to devices needing USB-C, the EU law requires any device that supports fast charging to have the same charging speed.
The new rules only apply to devices operating with up to 100 Watts of power delivery, so there will be some exceptions, even after 2026. For example, many of thebest gaming laptopsdraw more than 100 Watts of power.
“The common charger will finally become a reality in Europe. We have waited more than ten years for these rules, but we can finally leave the current plethora of chargers in the past,” said Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba. “This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative charging solutions in the future, and it will benefit everyone - from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment.”
As this is a law in the EU, manufacturers could technically continue to use other forms of charging on laptops in other countries, but that seems unlikely. The industry has shifted toward USB-C over the past few years, and by 2026 the charging solution should be ubiquitous.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
