A new document on device requirements by Google popped up online recently. The document outlines a requirement for device manufacturers to support the USB Power Delivery (or PD) standard for power and charging, and not to break compatibility for third-party PD chargers.

With a theoretical limit of 100W, USB PD is more than enough to be a choice fast charger for devices. However, competing and proprietary version such as OnePlus, Huawei and OPPO means that devices from those manufacturers can only fast-charge with their own accessories.

This time around, Google has mandated that manufacturers are required to follow standards. Google warned that “New DEVICES launching from 2019 onwards, with a USB Type-C port MUST ensure full interoperability with chargers that are compliant with the USB specifications and have the USB Type-C plug.” This is according to the version 7.0 of GMS Requirements, published September 3rd, 2019, GMS being the Google Mobile Service.

Of course, devices that was approved before the deadline are free from the requirements – most devices launched in 2019 were approved in 2018. However, we can be certain that devices from next year onwards will have USB PD compatibility, and we can finally have a standard fast-charge across smartphones, and laptops.