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One of the most noteworthy modifications to the iPhone 15 series is the elimination of the Lightning connection in favour of the USB Type-C interface. According to rumours, Foxconn will continue to use encryption for Apple’s USB Type-C interface that is produced in large quantities. This indicates that certain charging levels will require MFI (Made for iPhone) approval. The speed of data transfer and charging will be constrained without the MFI certification. Nonetheless, this situation will probably reach a turning point.
We are aware that Apple’s weakening of the USB Type-C interface was caused by legislation enacted by the European Union. In reality, a USB Type-C connection for cable charging is a requirement of the technical specifications put forth by the European Union for mobile phone devices. If the charging voltage or current is more than 5V or 3A, you must abide by the USB PD specifications.
The European Union emphasises that by standardising fast charging, unjustified restrictions on charging speeds imposed by different companies will become obsolete. Also, this would guarantee that charging rates remain constant while using any appropriate charger. Of course, the EU’s rules are intended to lower the frequency with which consumers purchase charging cables and heads, as well as electronic trash. Apple’s campaign for MFI USB-C certification will undoubtedly defeat the EU’s primary objective. It would be against the law in the European market, which would be terrible news for Apple. Apple may still take advantage of a little gap in data flow, though. Apple does not place limits on charging power, although MFI is required for customers who only need data transfer.
EUROPEAN UNION HARMONIZES FAST-CHARGING TECH
Negotiators from the European Parliament and the 27 other member states of the European Union came to an agreement in June 2022 that mandates the use of standardised charging stations for mobile phones and other electronic devices in the EU beginning in 2024. By the fall of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras in the EU will have USB Type-C charging ports as standard, according to a statement from the European Parliament.
Negotiators from the European Parliament and the 27 other member states of the European Union came to an agreement in June 2022 that mandates that mobile phones and other electronic devices in the EU utilise standardised charging stations beginning in 2024. In the EU, all smartphones, tablets, and cameras will have USB Type-C charging ports as standard by the fall of 2024, according to a statement from the European Parliament.
The new rules have the most impact on the iPhone. This is because the majority of modern Android smartphones have USB Type-C connections. Yet, Apple has stated that only the Lightning connection would be used to power its iPhones. Yet it’s obvious that things will change shortly. The new regulations’ acceptance will further urge Apple to switch the iPhone’s Type-C interface for a more widely used and functional one. According to current plan timetables, the iPhone 16 should use the USB Type-C interface in Europe. But, the business can decide to implement USB Type-C on the iPhone sooner.
YEARS HAVE BEEN SPENT ON THIS ISSUE BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
The use of a “single charging port” was ultimately approved by EU governments and parliament last year after years of controversy. The EU’s move was formally filed to the legislation in September of last year, despite the fact that it has been in the works for more than 10 years. According to the European Commission, the change would benefit the environment and save users about 250 million euros ($293 million) a year.
According to the European Commission’s plan, USB Type-C will be the required interface for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld video game consoles. Moreover, chargers will be sold independently of electrical gadgets.
Android and iPhone users have long complained that their devices require different chargers. It is uncomfortable since so many individuals possess both Android and iPhone smartphones. You must obtain a new charger if you get an iPhone, regardless of how fantastic your Type-C charger is. This is really inconvenient for a lot of individuals.
Apple won’t have an option, though, due to the new EU regulation. An iPhone in 2024 must have a USB Type-C connector. It is still up to you whether or not to utilise the USB Type-C port this year. As a result, the iPhone 15’s USB Type-C port is less certain than the iPhone 16’s.
EU STATES THAT ITS ACTION DOES NOT TARGET APPLE
Apple will be significantly impacted by two of the three big changes the European Union makes in 2024. This makes it simple to believe that the European Union is after Apple. The Union, however, took care to convey its position unequivocally in this respect. Apple was not the objective of the case, according to the European Commission. The EU asserts that despite 10 years of discussions, key companies were unable to come to an agreement. After 10 years of debate, studies claim that charge interfaces have significantly lowered. The Union claims that there are currently just 3 charging connections, down from 30 10 years ago. According to a 2019 survey by the European Commission, 50% of mobile phone chargers in 2018 utilised the USB Micro-B interface connection. Moreover, 29% use a USB Type-C connector while just 21% use a Lightning connector.
Apple has stated: “We continue to be concerned that enabling only one type of charger would impede innovation rather than encourage it. Consumers in Europe and other countries will suffer as a result.
The European Commission’s director, Thierry Breton, stated, “It will also let emerging technologies, like wireless charging, to flourish and mature without innovation. That will lead to market fragmentation and annoyance for customers.
Indeed, developing wireless charging technology is Apple’s best line of action. Apple won’t likely release an iPhone that just supports wireless charging, though.
