EU Warning to Apple: Transition to USB-C Port for iPhone 15 is a Must
The European Union passed a law in 2020 mandating that devices with wired charging, including the iPhone, must have a USB-C port to be sold in the region. It is anticipated that Apple will comply with the law by transitioning from Lightning to USB-C with the iPhone 15 lineup later this year, although the company still has until next year to comply with the law.
There are rumors that Apple might restrict the charging speed and other capabilities of USB-C cables that are not certified under its “Made for iPhone” program. Similar to the Lightning port on current iPhones, the USB-C port on the upcoming iPhone 15 models will reportedly feature a small chip that would authenticate the connected USB-C cable and confirm its compatibility with Apple’s standards.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple will optimize the fast charging performance of MFi-certified chargers for the iPhone 15. On the other hands, the European Commissioner Thierry Breton has written a letter to Apple, stating that the EU law requiring the use of USB-C ports on devices with wired charging prohibits any attempt to limit the functionality of USB-C cables. According to the German press agency DPA, the letter was sent after the EU cautioned Apple in a meeting held in March.
The German newspaper Die Zeit noted that if Apple were to restrict USB-C cable functionality, it could lead to iPhones not being sold in the EU after the law takes effect. According to the report, the EU is planning to release a guide to ensure that the legislation mandating the use of USB-C ports on devices with wired charging is uniformly interpreted by the third quarter of this year.
It should be noted that the reports of Apple potentially limiting the functionality of uncertified USB-C cables connected to iPhone 15 models are just rumors at this point, and it remains to be seen whether the company will implement such plans. iPads with USB-C ports do not currently require an authentication chip for USB-C cables.
Overall, the transition from Lightning to USB-C port for iPhone 15 models is a must for Apple to comply with EU law. While rumors are currently circulating regarding the potential restrictions on uncertified USB-C cables, it is important for the company to ensure that the functionality of these cables is not limited to prevent iPhones from being sold in the EU. The upcoming guide from the EU aims to provide clarity on the legislation mandating the use of USB-C ports on devices with wired charging and ensure that it is uniformly interpreted.