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Tech & Science
New EU rules require all new laptops sold in Europe to use USB-C charging, aiming to cut e-waste and standardize chargers.
Starting in 2026, every new laptop sold across the European Union must support charging via a USB-C port using the USB Power Delivery standard. The regulation, which took effect this week, is the latest phase in a broader European push to unify charging ports for electronic devices, following earlier mandates covering smartphones, tablets, and headphones.
The European Commission estimates that standardizing charging ports could slash thousands of tons of electronic waste annually. Beyond the environmental benefit, the move is projected to save consumers hundreds of millions of euros by eliminating the need to purchase a separate charger for each new device. The EU argues that the proliferation of different chargers and cables has driven a massive buildup of e-waste, as users are forced to buy new adapters for every gadget.
The new rules also grant consumers greater convenience: a single charger can now power a phone, tablet, and laptop. Most manufacturers had already begun transitioning to USB-C in recent years, but the EU decision makes compliance mandatory and official, effectively banning the sale of any new device within the bloc that lacks this charging capability.
Not every laptop is immediately covered. High-performance devices that require more than 100 watts of power—such as certain gaming rigs and professional computers used for design and video editing—may receive temporary exemptions. However, tech experts note that USB-C technology has evolved to support charging speeds of up to 240 watts, suggesting these exceptions could eventually disappear entirely.
Apple was among the most vocal opponents of the unified charging mandate in the past, arguing it could stifle innovation. Yet the company has already begun shifting its newer products to USB-C in compliance with European law. Observers believe the regulation will push all manufacturers to accelerate the full adoption of USB-C across their product lines, including devices that still rely on proprietary charging solutions.
The mandate is part of a broader set of European legislation aimed at making the electronics sector more sustainable and environmentally friendly, amid growing global pressure to curb e-waste and extend device lifespans. Analysts suggest that making USB-C a universal standard could reshape the global electronics industry, as many companies prefer to unify their products worldwide rather than develop different versions for the European market and elsewhere.
