The European Union has taken a firm step towards technological standardization. As of April 29, 2026, all new laptop models must incorporate USB Type-C ports for charging. The measure aims to reduce electronic waste generated by incompatible cables and chargers, although there is an exception for high-power gaming equipment exceeding 100 watts, which may retain their traditional connectors.
Technical specifications of the USB-C standard in laptops 🔌
The regulation requires that USB-C ports support at least 100 watts of power via the USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard. This means manufacturers will need to redesign motherboards and power management systems to ensure stable and safe charging. High-power laptops, such as those for demanding gaming or professional workstations, are exempt as long as their consumption exceeds 100 watts. However, it is expected that most commercial and office models will gradually adopt the new connector.
Goodbye brick charger: welcome to the chaos of thin cables 😅
Now users can boast of having a single cable for everything, until they try to charge their gaming laptop with the same charger as their phone. We will see epic scenes of batteries draining while the laptop says: I need 150 watts, buddy. Of course, at least proprietary charger manufacturers will have to recycle their direct current bricks into designer paperweights. The next battle will be explaining to your grandmother that the phone charger doesn't work for the laptop.