Universal USB-C Standard Mandated by California for All Devices
New California Mandate
If you're tired of having a cluttered drawer filled with old chargers and tangled wires, then you might be in luck in the next few years.
California is set to make history as the first U.S. state to mandate that all electronic devices, including laptops and phones, be charged with the same USB-C cable by 2026.
This new mandate seeks to simplify our charging requirements and minimize electronic waste generated when technology becomes outdated following a version upgrade.
The California State Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee in Sacramento unanimously passed AB 1659 (2023), a bill sponsored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D), on April 13, 2023.
This legislation requires all phones and laptops manufactured from 2026 onwards to be compatible with USB-C charging cables.
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The move follows the European Union and India lead, which have already adopted similar policies. The main motivations behind this legislation are reducing environmental and consumer costs, as unused or discarded chargers contribute to electronic waste.
How the USB-C Mandate Will Work Devices manufactured on or after 2026 must have USB-C charging ports. Wholesalers and retailers must offer products with or without a charging device. Packaging must indicate whether a charging device is included. Minimum and maximum power specifications must be listed on packaging or labels.
Criticism of the USB-C Mandate Free market opponents of the mandate argues that it could stifle innovation and lead to more electronic waste. For example, Alex Reinauer, a tech policy research fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, expressed concerns, saying that "The USB-C mandate will create more e-waste in the long run by forcing existing charging cables into obsolescence."
Will the USB-C Mandate Make a Difference?
Although most phones have already transitioned or are shifting to using USB-C ports, Apple remains a notable exception with its proprietary Lightning connector. However, Apple has indicated that it will comply with European law and shift to USB-C.
With India and Europe already mandating USB-C, California's decision may lead to a gradual change. Still, it does highlight California's tendency to lead on tech issues like privacy rights and social media regulation. This mandate will bring a positive impact in the long run and drive the tech industry towards sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
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This article originally appeared in California Takes Charge As the First State Across the Country to Mandate One Standard USB-C for All Devices
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