Indian Govt to follow EU, wants common charger for phones and other mobile devices

A while ago, the EU took a decision to mandate the USB-C port for all mobile devices starting 2024. Other than having a common charging port, the move was also made to reduce the amount of e-waste in these countries. Now, the Indian government wants to do something similar for the local market. Based on a latest report, the government wants to discuss the possibility of mandating a common charger for most mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets and wearable devices.

Based on a report from PTI, the Indian government has called a meeting of all the stakeholders in the industry, which is to be held on August 17, 2022. The meeting will involve a discussion on different chargers for electronic devices and what can be done going forward. Currently, it depends on the manufacturers to choose what kind of chargers they want on their devices.

India to mandate on a common charger?

Such a law is already being considered in the European Union, where the USB-C port has been decided to be a common charger for most mobile devices, including smartphones. While this won't be a big issue for most Android phone makers such as Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Motorola, it could pose a big challenge to Apple. Apple uses only the Lightning port for its entire iPhone range and with this law mandated, it would mean Apple redesigning its iPhones around that USB-C port.

In India, the situation is slightly different. While most Android smartphones rely on the USB-C port, the iPhones rely on the Lightning port. Then there are affordable entry-level smartphones that use the older micro USB port. With most of India's population relying on affordable smartphones, the change would mean buying new chargers and cables.

In the long run though, this could translate to reduction in e-waste, especially as smartphone makers have stopped offering the charger in the box.

If India fixates on the USB-C port, a lot of possibilities open up. Currently, the USB-C port allows for faster charging standards and faster data transfer speeds. Brands such as Oppo, Realme and Xiaomi use their own charging standards to offer up to 120W of fast charging.