One nation, one charger: India to adopt USB Type-C as standard charger for all smartphones

The government is considering switching to two types of chargers — one for smartphones and the other for feature phones — in contrast to the EU directive, which requires all mobile phones and portable electronic devices to switch to Type-C. However, despite extensive discussions, it has not been yet decided on chargers for low-cost feature phones. A separate sub-group has also been formed to look into the consistency of charging ports for wearable electronics like smartwatches and earbuds.

Currently, most renowned smartphone brands except Apple come with a USB Type-C port in their smartphones. Apple is tipped to launch the next iPhone 15 series with USB Type-C ports, in compliance with the EU’s ruling.

Benefits of USB Type-C charger

A USB Type-C connection allows devices to be charged more quickly than with a standard USB. Not just smartphones, it also allows to charge other devices like laptops, tabs, etc. USB Power Delivery, a fast-charging protocol that can supply 100 watts of power to compatible devices, is supported by USB-C connections. The USB protocol included with the gadget you are charging determines how quickly it charges.

USB Type-C chargers may help reduce e-waste in India

As a result of consumers often replacing electronics and gadgets, the country’s e-waste load has increased drastically. As per an ASSOCHAM-EY report named ‘Electronic Waste Management in India,’ five million tonnes of e-waste are expected to have been produced in India last year, ranking behind the US and China. Therefore, with universal chargers, customers won’t require a different charger every time they buy a new device, which will ultimately aid in drastically lowering the amount of e-waste.

A recent report noted that, on June 7 of this year, the EU enacted preliminary law mandating that by mid-2024, every future smartphone sold in the EU, including Apple’s iPhone, must include a universal USB-C connector for wired charging.