EU agrees deal on common phone charger in blow to Apple

The plan would force all companies to make phones, tablets, e-readers, and digital cameras compatible with USB-C chargers by 2024

The plan, unveiled last year, was provisionally approved Tuesday and will save consumers an estimated €250m.

All smartphones and tablets would have to use a common charger under a provisional European Union agreement clinched on Tuesday.

The plan would force all companies - most notably Apple Inc - to make phones, tablets, e-readers and digital cameras to use the USB-C charger, negotiators announced.