Apple has had USB-C ports on some of its devices for some time now. And now the EU company must also introduce that with the iPhone 15. It will do so, and yet the European Union is once again not happy.
Even though we’re Apple fans, one of the most annoying things the company does is keep coming up with a different connection. That’s why we’ve messed around with adapters and different chargers and cables in the past. That’s sort of changing, but it still doesn’t meet the requirements.
The iPhone 15 USB-C chargers do not meet the requirements
Apple has therefore (according to strong rumours) neatly tacked on by also applying USB-C to the iPhone 15. Everyone would be happy, you would think, but not the EU. This is where the shoe pinches him: MfI.
MfI stands for ‘Made for iPhone’. That means an electronic accessory is specifically designed to connect to an iPhone, iPad (and iPod, back in the day). Apple then ensures that it meets the company’s performance standards.
Manufacturers pay an amount for this, which gives them access to certain parts and technology of the tech giant from Cupertino. That’s really ideal if you want to get the most out of your devices like an iPhone 15. However, it also has a disadvantage: those Made for iPhone accessories from Apple are often quite pricey (those from third parties are still somewhat manageable).
Nice try, Apple
That’s an absolute no go, said the EU. EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton is keeping a close eye on articles about the iPhone 15 and USB-C. He therefore wrote a letter to the company with a warning.
In it, he simply states that it would be “impermissible to restrict interaction with chargers.” The Zeit article also reports that the EU Commission reminded Apple in March that “devices and cables that do not meet the requirements for the universal charger will not be approved on the EU market.”
EU rules are future music for Apple
There is a good chance that the tech giant will not be very happy about this. But it’s not a huge headache yet. This new rule does not take effect until December 28, 2024. So an iPhone 15, or maybe even 16 could get the Made for iPhone USB-C. You can still use third-party chargers and cables, but the speed will probably be less than a cable and charger from Apple itself.
After that it is of course guesswork, because a lot can happen in a year and a half. But either way, it’s an intriguing game of cat and mouse.
‘iPhone 15 gets USB-C, but Apple makes its own standard’
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What about Qualcomm’s QuickCharge? Some devices require a QC(3.0) charger or cable to charge at full speed. Is this according to EU guidelines?
Pfff . . .
Maybe the EU should start making its own iPhones.
Then they are sure that it is to their liking.
What interference.
The involvement of the EU is rather sad and selective and seems to be aimed more at financing the EU through the fines.
Overall I understand that people want to protect consumers, but this does not contribute to that.
Consumers can still charge, but are limited in speed because Apple is not sure of the type of charger used.
This is the case with MFI.
If a consumer does not like certain functionality or limitations of a product, then the consumer will not buy it, will he?
But no, the EU wants them to be able to do everything with these kinds of products. (Sideloading, other app store).
You cannot use a bonus card at the Jumbo either. You can also not hand in the Lidl savings cards at another supermarket.
When will this be addressed?
Very annoying. Apple is trying to protect its consumers from cheap chargers that can potentially damage the battery and the EU is trying to support just that. Who cares if a company thinks they want to make THEIR product according to THEIR rules, since they have years of experience and proof that it is safe. The annoying thing is that they put themselves in a space and declare themselves power I, with which they develop rules that the people can do nothing about, so it’s a we decide and you make a fuss.
2023-05-06 16:12:31
#Apple #switches #USBC #happy
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EU again angry at Apple for USB-C on iPhone 15