EU votes to force all phones to use same charger by 2024

The European parliament has voted to introduce a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras by 2024 in a move that presents difficulties for Apple, whose iPhones use a different power connector.

The vote confirms an earlier agreement among EU institutions and will make USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the EU standard, forcing Apple to change its charging port for its devices.

The deal also covers e-readers, earbuds and other technologies, meaning it may also have an impact on Samsung, Huawei and other device makers, analysts said.

Apple has in the past warned that the proposal would hurt innovation and create waste.

Wood added that he expected Apple to adopt the USB-C port in the UK and globally.

Bloomberg reported in May that Apple was working on an iPhone with a USB-C charging port that could debut next year.

EU lawmakers supported the reform with a large majority, with 602 votes in favour and only 13 against.

The change had been discussed for years and was prompted by complaints from iPhone and Android users about having to switch to different chargers for their devices.

Apple declined to comment.