EU Warns Apple About Limiting Speeds of Uncertified USB-C Cables for iPhones

[MacRumors]

Last year, the EU passed legislation that will require the iPhone and many other devices with wired charging to be equipped with a USB-C port in order to be sold in the region. Apple has until December 28, 2024 to adhere to the law, but the switch from Lightning to USB-C is expected to happen with iPhone 15 models later this year.

It was rumored in February that Apple may be planning to limit charging speeds and other functionality of USB-C cables that are not certified under its "Made for iPhone" program. Like the Lightning port on existing iPhones, a small chip inside the USB-C port on iPhone 15 models would confirm the authenticity of the USB-C cable connected.

"I believe Apple will optimize the fast charging performance of MFi-certified chargers for the iPhone 15," Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in March.

In response to this rumor, European Commissioner Thierry Breton has sent Apple a letter warning the company that limiting the functionality of USB-C cables would not be permitted and would prevent iPhones from being sold in the EU when the law goes into effect, according to German newspaper Die Zeit. The letter was obtained by German press agency DPA, and the report says the EU also warned Apple during a meeting in mid-March.

Given that it has until the end of 2024 to adhere to the law, Apple could still move forward with including an authentication chip in the USB-C port on iPhone 15 models later this year. And with iPhone 16 models expected to launch in September 2024, even those devices would be on the market before the law goes into effect.

The report says the EU intends to publish a guide to ensure a "uniform interpretation" of the legislation by the third quarter of this year.

It is worth emphasizing that Apple potentially limiting the functionality of uncertified USB-C cables connected to iPhone 15 models is only a rumor for now, so it remains to be seen whether or not the company actually moves forward with the alleged plans. iPads with USB-C ports do not have an authentication chip for this purpose.

(Thanks, Manfred!)

Article Link: EU Warns Apple About Limiting Speeds of Uncertified USB-C Cables for iPhones

 

[zorinlynx]

I really have to give a big thank you to the EU for trying to save us from proprietary cable mayhem. Wish we had similar consumer protection laws in the US.

 

[I7guy]

Im sure apple will comply with the letter of the law. I want to thank the EU for equate that will accrue due to people throwing out their lightning cables.

 

[Crzyrio]

With ****** $2 cables floating around that could potentially cause harm to the users, I don't see anything wrong with a limitation if the device does not have a way to verify it is capable of handling the power.

We are close to more then tripling the amount of power running through these cables from what the original USB was capable off.

 

[icanhazmac]

So the EU will compensate people who have their phones destroyed by cheap cables from China? Will they compensate people who have property destroyed when cheap cables melt and start fires? Complain all you want about MFI certifications but at least it guarantees that the cable will be robust enough to handle the draw from the device.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

EU is not playing any games. The world is ready for Apple to implement USB-C in iPhone 15. Enough is Enough!

 

[vegetassj4]

So, what if they don't limit the speed at which the data is transferred to the phone, but they limit the access to that data so Apple/iPhone can check that the data from a non-certified cable has not been corrupted?

**cue X-Files sound

 

[snak-atak]

EU is not playing any games. The world is ready for Apple to implement USB-C in iPhone 15.

Yeah, and can the EU also require that they update the Magic Mouse while they’re at it? The placement of the charge port on that device is just criminal!

 

[Mr. Dee]

I’m glad there is an adult in the room to put Apple on notice.

 

[Aurizen]

Good I was waiting for this.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Yeah, and can the EU also require that they update the Magic Mouse while they’re at it? The placement of the charge port on that device is just criminal!

That is a very good point. Someone needs to forward this to the EU as well. Yes, we’re halfway to 2023 and this exists. This is the problem!

 

[appleguy123]

I’ve never believed this rumor. I think the authentication chip is so the iPhone 15 can use MFi lightning accessories that require a handshake. If Apple wanted to limit USB-C charging speeds for non-official cables, they would have started with the iPad.

 

[mrat93]

With ****** $2 cables floating around that could potentially cause harm to the users, I don't see anything wrong with a limitation if the device does not have a way to verify it is capable of handling the power.

We are close to more then tripling the amount of power running through these cables from what the original USB was capable off.

This is why knockoff Lightning cables don’t exist. MFi made it so all Lightning cables are safe.

/s

Also, what’s wrong with $2 cables? I just got a 3-pack from Monoprice on sale for $3 shipped. Apple has really swayed public perception on the actual cost and value of cables.

 

[sully54]

So the EU will compensate people who have their phones destroyed by cheap cables from China? Will they compensate people who have property destroyed when cheap cables melt and start fires? Complain all you want about MFI certifications but at least it guarantees that the cable will be robust enough to handle the draw from the device.

Apple’s own cables are certainly not robust…

 

[Freida]

Moving from EU to NA made me realise how much consumer protection I had a privilege to get when being in EU. Here in NA its shocking how badly the consumer is not protected. Starting with warranty to delayed flights etc. Its a mess.

I wish EU was in NA too. Maybe called NAU

All of us would benefit

I really have to give a big thank you to the EU for trying to save us from proprietary cable mayhem. Wish we had similar consumer protection laws in the US.

 

[k1121j]

I think a pop up to warn you is enough kind of use at your own risk. Cheap cables/chargers can cause harm

 

[zorinlynx]

With ****** $2 cables floating around that could potentially cause harm to the users, I don't see anything wrong with a limitation if the device does not have a way to verify it is capable of handling the power.

We are close to more then tripling the amount of power running through these cables from what the original USB was capable off.

Non-Apple world (and Macs and iPads) have been using USB-C just fine for years now without any lockout chips. We'll be fine.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

What are the chances of the EU stepping up and telling Apple not to remove the current Mute Button from iPhone 15?

 

[scrapesleon]

Apple about to reconsider removing the charging port lol

 

[dannyyankou]

Apple doesn't do this with USB C cables on iPads or MacBooks, so I don't see them doing it with iPhones.

 

[greenbreadmmm]

With ****** $2 cables floating around that could potentially cause harm to the users, I don't see anything wrong with a limitation if the device does not have a way to verify it is capable of handling the power.

We are close to more then tripling the amount of power running through these cables from what the original USB was capable off.

Wasnt the minimum spec for all USB C cables 3A 60w?

 

[k1121j]

This is why knockoff Lightning cables don’t exist. MFi made it so all Lightning cables are safe.

/s

Also, what’s wrong with $2 cables? I just got a 3-pack from Monoprice on sale for $3 shipped. Apple has really swayed public perception on the actual cost and value of cables.

There are non mifi lightning cables!

 

[mrat93]

So the EU will compensate people who have their phones destroyed by cheap cables from China? Will they compensate people who have property destroyed when cheap cables melt and start fires? Complain all you want about MFI certifications but at least it guarantees that the cable will be robust enough to handle the draw from the device.

I know at least two people whose official Apple Lightning cables have frayed and produced smoke.

Hell, let’s push for Apple to implement MFi power bricks. Shoddy power bricks are more dangerous than shoddy cables.

 

[pp_amorim]

So the EU will compensate people who have their phones destroyed by cheap cables from China? Will they compensate people who have property destroyed when cheap cables melt and start fires? Complain all you want about MFI certifications but at least it guarantees that the cable will be robust enough to handle the draw from the device.

Poor Apple 🥲

 

[RalfTheDog]

Perhaps Apple could agree to an outside standards body that certifies cables. You don't want to be running that much current through a cheep cable. At the same time, I understand why the EU does not want Apple to have a monopoly.