Senators Rally for a Unified Charger Standard Across the US
The push for a common device charger standard in the US
US senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders are urging Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to develop a comprehensive strategy for a common charging standard, following the European Union’s lead. The goal is to reduce e-waste and make it more convenient for consumers to use existing cables and adapters across different devices.
A possible shift to USB-C
While the senators did not specify USB-C as the standard, it is likely to be the frontrunner, given that the EU will require USB-C starting in 2024. USB-C offers consistent fast charging and accessory support for a wide range of devices, from smartphones to laptops. However, some companies, like Apple, have raised concerns about limiting innovation and potentially increasing waste by adopting a universal charger standard.
Implications for companies like Apple
Despite the resistance from companies like Apple, a US charging standard could push them to adopt USB-C, as seen with rumors of Apple transitioning to this format for future iPhone and iPad models. While the new regulation may not bring significant changes in the short term, it could prevent companies from reverting to proprietary connectors in the future, aligning with the EU’s efforts to streamline device charging practices.
