The European Parliament approved a law on Tuesday implementing a single charger with a USB-C port for smartphones, tablets and portable devices from the end of 2024, which will force Apple to switch models.

The regulation was passed overwhelmingly with 602 votes in favor and 13 against, with 8 abstentions. The measure will force Apple to abandon certain charging port, called Lightning, for iPhone models.

During the debates, lawmakers argued that adopting a single charger model would reduce the mountain of old chargers thrown away each year and cut costs for consumers.

European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said the change is expected to save at least €200 million ($195 million) per year and reduce more than 1,000 tonnes of e-waste per year in the EU.

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Apple has fiercely resisted moves to standardize charging ports for mobile phones and wearables, saying such legislation would hinder technological innovation.

However, users of the latest iPhone models complain that the Lightning port can transfer data at only a fraction of the speed of USB-C.

The regulations adopted by the European Parliament this Tuesday should be fully implemented within two years for mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headsets, portable speakers, portable video game consoles and electronic readers, among others.