Yes, really. I still have a box full of old transformers kicking around from the bad old days. Now about half of my stuff is USB-C powered, and in another 5 years when I finally ditch the last of my old stuff I won't need a bunch of 5, 9, 12, and 15 volt power connectors (some AC, some DC) with 0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 amp capabilities, in three different barrel connector sizes and two polarities. And of course Apple's connectors and HP and Lenovo's custom laptop connectors.
Similarly, finding the right replacement DC adapter for electronics is challenging. I have had to do this a few times, to avoid travel adapters bundled with equipment.
Really? So you mean I can take my Apple lightning cable, plug one end into a charger and the other end into my Android phone? Or my laptop? Or my TV box?
Because no, you can't. And that's the whole problem.
GP specifically said the chargers had standard USB ports - and they do. Either A (old) or C (new). You're talking about the cable which is a completely different thing (obvs.)
It probably is hard to remember the time when Apple wasn't the only company with its own proprietary connector because it has been already well over a decade since the EU first issued its ultimatum for the industry to fall in line behind one standard or get a law slapped into their face. Apple has been the only remaining holdout for almost just as long and basically single-handedly forced the EU to come through with its threat and write a law to force compliance.
Even within the apple ecosystem those things are annoying and a waste of space. I can charge my laptop you can charge an iPad from USBC but phones and AirPods need lightning when the port is basically the same size. So I have to carry an extra cable everywhere.
Ridiculous. I’ll take throwing them all in a landfill if I never have to use or see one again.
Thank the gods. I have exactly three of these things and keeping track of them is a pita, and expensive to replace. USB-C cables ... I have an entire bin of them.