The deadline of 28 December 2024 has been given by the European Union to phone manufacturers to adopt a common charging cable.

According to BBC, by autumn 2024 the EU previously agreed new portable electronic devices would have to use a USB Type-C charger.

An exact date has been set for the requirement, especially now that the law has entered the EU’s Official Journal.

Considering the implications of this new development, companies like Apple, whose iPhones use an Apple-made charger, will not be able to sell new devices in the EU after the date unless they use a universal cable.

Apple however, is seen as the biggest manufacturer to use a customised charging port which is exclusive to some of its products. Its iPhone series uses its own Lightning connector, for example.

In reaction to the situation, Apple senior vice president of worldwide, marketing, Greg Joswiak previously told the Wall Street Journal the tech giant would “obviously” comply with the law.

The new rule will cover a range of “small and medium-sized portable electronics”, according the EU, such as phones, tablets, headphones, and handheld game consoles.