In 2022 the European Union will pass legislation requiring Apple iPhones and many other wired charging devices to be equipped with USB-C ports in order to be sold in the region. Apple has until December 28, 2024, to comply with the law, and the iPhone 15/Pro series models are expected to switch from Lightning to USB-C later this year.
Rumors surfaced in February that Apple may be planning to limit the charging speeds and other features of USB-C cables that aren’t certified under its “Made for iPhone” (MFi) program. Like the Lightning port on existing iPhones, a small chip inside the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 series models can authenticate a connected USB-C cable.
“I believe Apple will optimize the fast charging performance of the MFi-certified charger for the iPhone 15,” analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in March.
In response to this rumor, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has sent a letter to Apple, warning the company not to allow restrictions on the functionality of USB-C cables, which would prevent iPhones from being sold in the EU once the law comes into effect. German media reported that the EU also warned Apple at a meeting in mid-March.
Given that it must comply with the law by the end of 2024, Apple may still include an authentication chip in the USB-C port of the iPhone 15 series models later this year. The iPhone 16 models are expected to launch in September 2024, and even these devices could be available before the EU law comes into force.
The EU intends to publish a guideline to ensure a “uniform interpretation” of the legislation by the third quarter of this year, the report said.
As of now, Apple has not responded to rumors that Apple may limit the functionality of uncertified USB-C cables connected to iPhone 15 series models or rumors. iPads with USB-C ports don’t yet have an authentication chip for that purpose.
