Apple warned by European Union against altering iPhone charging port

European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton has sent a letter to Apple warning about the consequences of tampering with USB C connections, according to German newspaper Die Zeit.

The newspaper published the text of a letter addressed to Apple, citing the German news agency DPA, stating that it would not allow any performance restrictions on USB C connections, and that if it did, iPhones would not be sold in the European Union in the future.

The report also indicates that the European Union warned Apple about the implications of imposing restrictions on charging and data transfer via the USB C port at a meeting held in mid-March.

Charging port standardization

Last year, the European Union passed a law that requires all technology companies to standardize the charging port on their devices and include a USB C port so they can be sold in the European Union.

The law gave tech companies until the end of 2024 to comply with the law or the sale of infringing devices would be banned after the deadline.

All smartphone manufacturers currently rely on the USB C port for charging and data transfer, with the exception of Apple, which still uses the “Lightning” charging port on iPhones.

Press reports earlier this year indicated that Apple would move to a USB C port instead of a traditional Lightning port with future iPhone 15 phones later this year, but this would limit charging speeds and data transfers if using uncertified “cabled” connections, i.e. from Apple, it does not have the MFI or “Made for iPhone” license that Apple grants for accessories.

Proactive warning

Although Apple has not officially announced its plans for the next iPhone charging port, the European Union has taken the initiative to warn it of any circumvention of the law and intends to publish guidance to ensure a “unified interpretation” of the law. by the third quarter of this year.

Many believe that the EU law is aimed specifically at Apple, which still offers a “Lightning” port for charging iPhones, while other companies have switched to a USB C port.

The EU charging port standardization law aims to reduce e-waste, maintain products and improve the usability of various devices.

It’s worth noting that Apple has already fully transitioned to a USB C port in some products such as the iPad, but still uses the Lightning port in iPhones and AirPods, and this is expected to change later this year with new product announcements.