According to Gizcoupon’s report on May 5th, the European Union passed legislation in 2022 requiring Apple’s iPhone and many other wired charging devices to be equipped with USB-C ports to be sold in the region. It must comply with the law by December 28th, 2024, Beijing time. Analysts expect that Apple will switch from Lightning to USB-C for this year’s iPhone 15/Pro series.
Apple may limit the functionality of USB-C cables
In February of this year, there were rumors that Apple may plan to limit the charging speed and other functions of USB-C cables that are not certified by its “Made for iPhone” (MFi) program. Like the Lightning port on existing iPhones, the USB-C port on iPhone 15 series models can verify the connected USB-C data cable with a small chip inside.
“I believe that Apple will optimize the fast charging performance of MFi-certified chargers for iPhone 15,” analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated in March of this year.
In response to this rumor, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has written to Apple, warning the company not to restrict the functionality of USB-C cables. If it does not comply with the law, the EU will block sales of the iPhone in the region after the law goes into effect. German media reported that the EU also warned Apple at a meeting in mid-March.
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Given that Apple must comply with this law by the end of 2024, it is still possible that it will add an identity verification chip to the USB-C ports on the iPhone 15 series models later this year. Even though the law may go into effect before its release, analysts expect Apple to launch the iPhone 16 model in September 2024.
Reportedly, the EU plans to issue a guide to ensure a “uniform interpretation” of this legislation before the third quarter of this year.
At present, rumors suggest that Apple may limit the functionality of uncertified USB-C cables connected to iPhone 15 series models, but the company has not provided an official response. Additionally, iPads with USB-C ports have not utilized an identity verification chip for this purpose.
