European law requiring USB-C could happen in Brazil?

Last week, the European Parliament approved Standardization of mobile phone chargers for the USB-C connector. Manufacturers have two years to adjust You are Devices that are marketed in the European Union for the new rule. From 2026, it will also be extended toaptops.

The idea is to “standardize” the inputs so that any charger fits any device, saving consumers money and reducing e-waste.

The European Union has positioned itself as a leader in technology regulations, without fear of “hitting” the giants of the sector. Often, the bloc’s initiatives inspire other countries to do the same. Could this be reflected in Brazil?

Four experts in the fields of computing and electrical engineering interviewed tilt Understand that in order to reduce costs, manufacturers must adopt USB-C for the entire line, regardless of whether the product is for the European Union or another country. This directly affects the An apple – The only one that uses its own standard, Lightning, on iPhones.

Here, Anatel (the National Telecommunications Agency) conducted a public consultation in the middle of this year, to also standardize the charger outputs for USB-C, recalls Ugo Silva Dias, Professor of Electrical Engineering at UnB.

The proposal, based on the European project, aims to ensure “greater convenience for consumers and possibly reduce e-waste by reusing chargers when changing a phone.” prison cell“.

“The criteria are usually very positive for Brazil, as it is a continental country with many differences by region, both in terms of architecture and development,” Dias notes.

With one output type, it will be easier to share the charger. “Because we live in a society, people cooperate with each other both in families and among friends. And if you forget your charger or your charger fails, another will be able to help you. This makes the process more inclusive,” the professor believes.

But experts predict that change here may take some time.

Apples are affected primarily

Apple, the main company affected by the analogy, is already using USB-C inputs in some Macbook models, making it easier to switch to new chargers, IMT (Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia) professor of computer engineering at Morello Zanini analyzes in oak. (Dell also uses this type of input on XPF laptops.)

Tim Cook argues that the move could lead to more e-waste, as consumers will have to get rid of their Lightning chargers, which will no longer be used.

On the other hand, it is worth noting that standardization will facilitate migrations between Android and iPhone devices.

“What we see today is that the device has a longer life than a cable, and in this transitional phase there will, in fact, be e-waste, but if we think about it, in the future we will have more reuse of chargers than today,” Carvalho confirms.

“It’s a very important step in terms of sustainability. A lot of people have two or three cell phone Keep them, because they don’t know where to dispose of them,” says the coordinator of IT, engineering and computing courses at UniRitterAnd the Lysander Martins da Silva.

There are those who believe that the new rule may also “force” Apple to improve the quality of its cables and connectors. “This would make the chargers less perishable,” believes the coordinator of the Energy Efficiency Lab and Renewable Energy Engineering Course at PUC-RS (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul), Odilon Duarte.

In their opinion, the Apple cable is the least durable. “Basically connect to the connector, which has many failures.”

What are the advantages of USB-C?

USB-C has higher power compared to other input types. According to Duarte, its charging power is 100W, while its charging power is Iphone From 80 to 90 watts.

In addition, the data transfer rate is 40Gbps, which is higher than the previous USB model and close to what Lightning technology offers.

Speaking of practicality, the cable with two USB-C ends is reversible: that is, it does not matter which side is connected to the device or the charger that goes into the socket.