European Union warns Apple not to encrypt the USB-C interface

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It is no longer news that Apple will most likely use the USB Type-C interface on this year’s iPhone 15 series. However, analysts point out that Apple may encrypt the USB Type-C interface for the purpose of protecting accessories. In other words, non – MFi – certified data cables, chargers, etc., connected to the USB Type-C interface of the iPhone 15, will have limited charging speed and transmission functions. Perhaps because of the rumours, European Union Industry Commissioner, Thierry Breton sent a warning letter to Apple. The letter reminds the company that it is not allowed to restrict third – party USB Type-C data cables. If the company does this, the EU will ban sales of such iPhones. In addition, the German DPA reveals that Apple had been informed of similar content at an EU meeting in March.

If Apple restricts the capacity of the USB Type-C cable, it defeats the purpose of the EU laws. The EU wants users to be able to charge their devices with any cable. So, if you have a USB Type-C cable, it should work seamlessly with all portable devices in your home.

The European Union passed a related bill covering universal chargers in October last year. The bill requires mobile phones and tablets to adopt a unified USB Type-C interface to reduce electronic waste such as different chargers and data cables. The bill’s final deadline for the device brands is December 2024. But it is widely believed that Apple will start using the USB-C interface on the iPhone 15.

European Union’s new law

The European Union (EU) has recently passed a law that requires all new mobile phones, tablets, and laptops sold within its borders to have a common charging port by 2024 and 2026, respectively. However, it appears that most brands will not wait for the deadline before they switch to the new charging port.

Benefits of a Unified Charging Port

The EU law for a unified charging port is intended to make products in the EU more sustainable, reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier. The move towards a common charging port is expected to reduce the number of chargers that end up in landfills, as consumers will no longer need to purchase new chargers every time they buy a new device. This will also reduce the cost of purchasing new chargers, as consumers will be able to use the same charger for multiple devices. Additionally, a common charging port will make it easier for consumers to charge their devices, as they will no longer need to carry multiple chargers with them.

Impact on Tech Brands

The EU law for a unified charging port will have a significant impact on technology companies such as Apple, which has been using its proprietary Lightning connector for its iPhones and iPads. The new law will require Apple to switch to the USB-C connector, which is already widely used by Android-based devices. This will force Apple to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices, which could result in additional costs for the company. However, the move towards a common charging port is expected to benefit consumers, as they will no longer need to purchase new chargers every time they buy a new device.

Implementation of the Law

The EU law for a unified charging port will be implemented in two phases. By the end of 2024, all new mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops. The new law will not apply to products placed on the market before the date of application.

Does the EU law target Apple?

No, the new EU law on a common charging port does not target Apple. The law requires all new mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold within the EU to have a common charging port by 2024, and laptops by 2026. There are many reasons why the EU chose the USB Type-C port. First off, the USB Type-C is more efficient and durable than Apple’s Lightning port. Also, there are much more USB Type-C devices in the market. Thus, it will be unreasonable to do away with the huge chunk of USB Type-C devices for any other port.

The EU argues that a common charger will reduce electronic waste and make life easier for users. The law has been approved by the European Parliament and will be enforced in the EU. The EU has been pushing for a common charger for over a decade. The standard charging port is USB-C, which is used by Android-based devices. The EU hopes that a common charger will reduce electronic waste by eliminating the need for multiple chargers. It should also promote competition and innovation by creating a level playing field for brands.

Conclusion

The European Union law for a unified charging port is a huge step towards reducing electronic waste. It will also make the life of users much easier. The move towards a common charging port is expected to reduce the number of chargers that end up in landfills. It will also reduce the cost of buying new chargers and make it easier for users to charge their devices. The new law will have a huge impact on tech brands such as Apple. However, it should benefit users in the long run. The implementation of the law will be in two phases. All new phones, tablets, and cameras are required to have a USB Type-C charging port by the end of 2024. As for laptops, the deadline is by spring 2026.