One for all - the glorious end of cable clutter

The standardization of the charging cable to USB-C has applied to almost all common electrical devices throughout the EU since the end of December. Whether cell phone, digital camera or e-book reader - everything should be able to be powered by the same cable. We have looked into the benefits of this.

This applies to all devices that can be charged and carried. Laptops have been given a transitional period until the beginning of 2026.

What's the point?

One big advantage is obvious: the end of cable clutter. That is probably the absolute gain at first glance. The amount of electronic waste that will be avoided as a result of the standardization measure should also not be underestimated. The EU Commission estimates that around 1,000 tons of power supply units and cables are generated every year.

We can also save money - specifically, we are talking about the 250 million that Europeans spend on various charging cables.

The struggle with the manufacturers

You could almost call it a difficult birth. It has taken 15 years to achieve standardization. This delay can be attributed to the manufacturers, including technology giant Apple. They fought back with their proverbial hands and feet and diagnosed the measure as regressive and an obstacle to innovation and progress - especially when it came to wireless charging.

Now wireless charging is no problem as long as a USB-C port is also available.

What can you say? - Yes, it works.