India to mandate USB-C connectors on smartphones and laptops by 2026
Per a report by Livemint, policymakers in India are about to enforce USB-C connectors on all smartphones and laptops. Smartphone manufacturers need to comply by June 2025, while laptops need to have USB-C connectors for charging by the end of 2026.
India's decision to make USB-C ports compulsory comes shortly after EU's enforcement, which is in effect starting this year. It aims to reduce e-waste since all devices will work with the same charging cables and potentially make things a tad less complicated for users. This will ultimately reduce cost as well since manufacturers don't have to make a number of different chargers and cables.
The new rule captures a broader market, not just Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, but Windows and Mac devices as well.
However, the new law does not apply to small accessories such as fitness bands, smart watches, earbuds, and it also does not apply to dumbphones.
Even though there's no official statement from the Indian Union IT ministry, policymakers will probably announce the regulation very soon. People familiar with the matter say the government has already talked to some of the big names in the industry and they are in favor of the decision.