EU Moves One Step Closer to Mandating Apple to Switch iPhone, iPad, and AirPods to USB-C

[akempf]

Consumers and businesses should generally be free to adopt the standards they believe best meet their needs—provided they don’t violate the rights of others in doing so.

They should be free to offer competing alternatives to challenge the status quo.

What if there had been a standard requiring all phones to have physical keyboards? You could justify that with the same “common good” argument used here.

You're mixing up "interfaces" that should be standardized, and products on either side of the "interface" that must not be standardized!

Keyboards and phones must use the same interface (bluetooth) to exchange data. Companies must use the same currencies to exchange funds. People need do talk the same language to exchange information.

It's actually the standardization of the interface (here: USB-C) that enables a free choice on either side (i.e. free choice of phones on side A and free choice of charger, display, keyboard, storage system, game controller, earphones on side B).
And the standardization of the INTERFACE enables innovators to invest in new product development (phones or periphery), as they can trust that they can actually sell their product to a large number of costumers (without having to fear that their device won't be compatible by then).

 

[JosephAW]

Time for Lightning 2 MagSafe connector. The iPhone will just have some metal dots to connect power like the keyboard connector for the iPad.

 

[akempf]

Then use your iPad. Or buy a non-iPhone smart phone. You have a choice. Do you think it's the government's role to step in to force Apple to change the iPhone so you can use it exactly how you want to? That's the issue here as I see it. I have no problem with people debating about USB-C vs. lightning, but that should be Apple's decision to make, not the EU's.

Well, I live in the EU and I'm glad we'll get new iPhones with USB-C.
If you live in the US, you might not be so lucky - I'm sorry for you.

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

1) Lightning is more compact. (The MagSafe Duo Charger really highlights how thin Lightning is.)
2) Lightning is a strict standard, while USB-C has multiple variations that are not all the same. (e.g. Not all USB-C cables are Thunderbolt 3.)
3) USB-C has a center piece in the middle of the connector that makes it more fragile, while Lightning is more in line with regular input connectors with the connector being open. (And it has an audible click, so you know it actually went into the device.)
4) There is an audible click when a Lightning cable goes into a connector, while USB-C has no feedback to tell if it went in all the way. (Incidentally, it is the cause of my monitor's USB-C connector breaking since it was saying my computer wasn't detected, so I tried adjusting it until the connector detached from the monitor's motherboard with no way of reattachment...which brings me to...)
5) Apple can easily replace / repair a device's Lightning port. (e.g. My dad's iPhone 7 wasn't charging for some reason a couple years ago. So, he was able to take it in and got it working again while he was still in the Apple Store.)

TL/DR: Apple has been providing its customers a state of the art connector for years.

Most of these points are arbitrary or non-issues that Apple could easily innovate away if it wanted throw the money at USB-C and fully adapt all of its products to it.

Anything that USB-C is lacking is only because Apple can't turn it into another proprietary MFi cash cow.

That's all it is.

I mean, the fact that Apple are doing USB-C to Lightning instead of just Lightning to Lightning for fast-charging iPhones should tell you which port/cable is more capable and which one belongs in 2012.

 

[Suicidy]

There's a million reasons why this is a bad move. USB-C is a far from decent standard and to mandate that all devices use it going forward is a stupid idea. In fact the standard is basically a crapfest of every other legacy standard thrown into one poorly designed connector shell and negotiation protocol.

Some examples:

1. The USB-C connectors are far more difficult to replace than equivalents due to the masked row of contacts on the header and the mechanical design that actually tears the copper off the PCB substrate meaning the device is 100% irreparable afterwards.
2. The PD capabilities versus cable and charger is an absolute minefield of dog crap to stand in and some cables can actually blow your device up if you terminate the CC pairs on adapter cables incorrectly as the charger will deliver more voltage than the TVS diodes can handle.
3. There are serious security concerns if you can negotiate thunderbolt protocol from an implanted charger. I mean what could possibly go wrong using an untrusted charger that can negotiate system PCIe bus access...

But I digress. Every objection I've made to USB-C since its inception has been responded to by BUT ITS GOT ELECTROLYTES.

The future we have is a tyranny of moronic standards enforced by moronic regulators pushing us all to the lowest common denominator of capability and security.

But…… but….. socialism is so awesome and government always makes the right call, right? No one should have to, or be able to decide for themselves, or their own businesses.

 

[bcortens]

It’s just not the business of government to decide these things for all of us. No wonder the EU is in such sad shape.

On what metric though? Sure they don't have the tech sector of the western USA but it isn't like the don't do any research and development, that they don't have some of the best places to live in the world. According to various indices of quality of life the EU has either 4 or 5 of the top ten best countries to live in the world.

 

[akempf]

Apple being forced? Sure…or if think there are better alternatives then vote with your $$$.
But I was really referring to was the EU will be stuck on usb-c while the world moves on. That is the LCD I was referring to.

Why would the EU be stuck? If you look at this type of legislation, the EU is now quite often leading the world - with other regions of the world usually following. If there's a need for a successor to USB-C, the EU will make it the new standard - where's the problem?

 

[Suicidy]

Its kind of funny how some people react to government intervention in anything. People in Europe keep voting for semi-socialist governments and yet somehow they manage to live healthy, happy, fulfilled lives... its almost as if some people want government intervention in society ... that it might help make society better...

It doesn’t. Europe is a broke, beaten place. In serious decline. And being such a nanny state that they’re forcing mandates on charging cables? Pathetic.

 

[wigby]

I fully support this. Everything else in the house uses USB-C, even my damn iPad. There's zero good reason for Apple not to do this other than being greedy for the accessory dollars. If they won't do the right thing, let the EU force them.

Apple is profit driven company. Why do care that they want to make more money on accessories? it's not like a switch to USB-C would benefit you or your wallet. Let's not confuse morality with capitalism.

 

[bcortens]

It doesn’t. Europe is a broke, beaten place. In serious decline. And being such a nanny state that they’re forcing mandates on charging cables? Pathetic.

The world must be such a simple place when you can reduce one of the the worlds largest economic areas to such a nice little chunk of data in your brain.

 

[bcortens]

Why would the EU be stuck? If you look at this type of legislation, the EU is now quite often leading the world - with other regions of the world usually following. If there's a need for a successor to USB-C, the EU will make it the new standard - where's the problem?

They also seem to be helping lead the world on App Store regulation.

 

[Icy1007]

I still think it would be hilarious if this comes to pass and Apple says screw you, we just won’t sell our products in your countries. I know, that would never happen. Viva la Lightning!!!! Lightning >USB-C

Agreed. Lightning is far better than USB-C.

 

[DanTheMan827]

EU: "Time for everyone to use USB-C"
Apple: *releases port-less iPhone.
EU: *shocked Pikachu face

That assumes the law won't mandate having a charging port on the device in the first place.

Qi charging still requires a "cable", and if that cable isn't USB-C going into the phone I don't think it would qualify.

 

[Icy1007]

You know, there's a whole tech world outside of Apple that has USB-C as a standard everywhere. And yes, governments SHOULD mandate this type of thing when it's this obvious.

No, governments should have no say in these matters.

 

[Suicidy]

The world must be such a simple place when you can reduce one of the the worlds largest economic areas to such a nice little chunk of data in your brain.

It’s my extensive knowledge of economics, and other things that allows me to see this. I understand that most people lack the cognitive ability, educacation and overall awareness to reach this correct conclusion. That’s why I’m happy to help shine a light on this for you.

 

[wigby]

It doesn’t. Europe is a broke, beaten place. In serious decline. And being such a nanny state that they’re forcing mandates on charging cables? Pathetic.

The same is regularly said about the U.S. being broken by the exact same people so I don't see your point.

 

[Icy1007]

That assumes the law won't mandate having a charging port on the device in the first place.

Qi charging still requires a "cable", and if that cable isn't USB-C going into the phone I don't think it would qualify.

A portless phone would require wireless charging which would likely use some form of AC adapter to the charging plate the phone sits on. It would not necessarily be a USB cable of any kind.

 

[frostbit3]

Why would the EU be stuck? If you look at this type of legislation, the EU is now quite often leading the world - with other regions of the world usually following. If there's a need for a successor to USB-C, the EU will make it the new standard - where's the problem?

Good point, it's only taken them 10+ years of talking about this to actually doing it. Clearly they'll be super fast at adopting a new connector.

 

[maninhat]

EU: "Time for everyone to use USB-C"
Apple: *releases port-less iPhone.
EU: *shocked Pikachu face

And by portless you of course mean another even bigger device than a usbc cable. Wow, what a win

 

[timmodugdale]

This is a proposal that SOUNDS great — until the next and better connector is developed or a phone that has NO connector. Putting into law something that evolves at a rapid pace is simply stupid. The law can never keep up with innovation.

 

[Suicidy]

Why would the EU be stuck? If you look at this type of legislation, the EU is now quite often leading the world - with other regions of the world usually following. If there's a need for a successor to USB-C, the EU will make it the new standard - where's the problem?

This isn’t the business of government. This kind of thinking is what is currently destroying the US. Fortunately there are still people left who can actually think for themselves.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Come on - you wouldn't really by an iPhone that doesn't even support video over it's connector, would you?

I can't remember the last time I "plugged something into" my iPhone in order to watch a video on an external screen. Point being - replacing Lightning with USB-C for the purpose of watching videos is a fringe case that already has better alternatives (see, AirPlay).

 

[Sophisticatednut]

Apple’s solution will be to provide a simple USB-C-to-Lightning adapter in the box like they did the Lightning-to-3.5mm jack. Apple will NOT be forced to change to USB-C. The EU’s mandate is for compatible charging and an adapter provides that. Stop with the hate.

It’s already mandated that any new device must come with a Typ C port. There is no loop hole for apple to use

There was no government involvement with standardizing of wall sockets.

You would be surprised

You hit the nail on the head. What happens when USB-D or USB-E comes along with better connectivity, speed, reliability. How long will the EU “study and debate" allowing the new technology to be used? All in the name of easing consumer confusion of course.

And if they can mandate ports why not mandate Android as the EU standard mobile OS in the name of consumer ease of use? Any mobile device sold in the EU most use USB-C and have Android as the OS. Could never happen you say? Then you don’t know how bureaucrats think. They’re already going to mandate messaging app interoperability. The goal here, of course, is to stop companies like Apple from thinking differently, from innovating, from advancing technology unless the bureaucrats approve.

Vote with your $$$. As a consumer, if I were ticked off that’s would I would do.

So what iPhone will I buy? I guess I keep using no phone.

You have no idea what you are talking about. I was born in Europe, currently live in Europe. Just going from different Scuko supporting countries, to Italy, to France, to the UK you have different plugs, different sockets with different amp ratings. You end up with 1-3 adapters just to switch. And voltage is not even the same. The EU is a joke. They want communism back, everybody be the same, the party dictating what is and isn't allowed. Planned economy will not work.

UK isn’t part of EU and every member state use the exact same 230v 50hz in the walls. Otherwise our power grids wouldn’t be compatible.

The amp in the wall is 100% useless. Anything using more than 16a will mostly be directly wired in or use a 400v plug.

There is two standard plugs in EU
1: euro plug for 2.5a 230-240v

2: Schuko, or the German/French plug 16a 230-240v

And you can use them in every Eu outlet. No adapter is needed.

Only K plug( rare in Denmark and disappearing) or L plug (Italian grounded) can’t be used in other outlets. But the type E, F, J, K, L, N plugs all can take the two EU plugs; C plug (CEE 7/17) or the E/F plug
officially called CEE 7/7

Remember when USB Mini was THE thing and solution? I member.
Remember when USB Micro was THE thing and solution? I member.
Remember when USB-C was... oh wait...

If you don't like lightning, DON'T BUY AN IPHONE WOW!!!! Why is this so hard? Why would you buy something you don't want to use? The mental gymnastics of these politicians is beyond belief.

Mini and micro was better than 100 different solutions, and EU explicitly made a deal with the industry to work out a standard amongs themselves, if they didn’t after X amount of years eu would step in. They all said yes and agreed. This included apple

 

[BeatCrazy]

Look, it's not 2015 anymore where people were still focused on transferring files...
People use their phones as mobile workstations (with external screens), media hubs, for giving presentations, for controlling all sorts of electronic devices, as a baby phone, ... all ideally while charging the phone at the same time.

It's time that Apple finally offers a modern connector to its customers - and enables consumers to have a free choice of periphery to use with iPhone...

And all of those use cases can be done equality as well with Lightning vs. USB-C. The EU doesn't have to dictate the port in order to do any of those things "better".

 

[Suicidy]

On what metric though? Sure they don't have the tech sector of the western USA but it isn't like the don't do any research and development, that they don't have some of the best places to live in the world. According to various indices of quality of life the EU has either 4 or 5 of the top ten best countries to live in the world.

The people who make those lists favor socialist societies. So they’re meaningless. Economically, the EU is in decline, and now terrified of Russia’s next move. The cracks will show much more as the Europeans are forced to lay more for their own defense, as opposed to the US picking up their slack in NATO. Which will leave far less. Money for their invasive nanny state spending. Which might continue to spur more pushback for them to reclaim their lost freedom.