The EU Wants All Phones to Work With Interoperable Chargers, Here’s What That Means for Apple's Lightning Port

[Steve63]

Excuse me?

Hello, this might be a little harsh use of words, I agree. What I wanted to say is, that the EU tends to overregulate markets - and this is similar what you have when institutions want to regulate everything in your life. A charger port is nothing to worry about, but the EU does so much more here in terms of regulating markets, almost everything in peoples life. And without being true representatives of the citicens... I cannot imagine that french, Italian or British citizens would have voted for a German President of the EU ..
i see Apples point here, that this sort of equalizing so many things may lead to slowdown in Technological progress. Because every new feature that may be disruptive must have approval of the EU first ...
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I would very much welcome standardization here for several reasons

• less waste (naturally phones and other 'mobile' devices would ship without chargers and even without cables! Naturally, apple would offer the phone with charger for 50 bucks more instead of lowering the price of the model without cable/charger)
• less clutter
  • take only one kind of charger and cable on trips!
  • be able to have great confidence that people can help each other out with chargers etc.
• Lightning is OLD and SLOW. Ever transfered large amounts of data of your new iPhone? Hilariously slow! USB-C offered an order of magnitude faster speeds for years now
• Apple's own laptops have ONLY USB-C, the iPad Pro has USB-C

it's simply ridiculous. The only reason Apple could possibly have against this is their lightning licensing fees!


Next: Please standardize 220/110V sockets!!!

Fully agree here. Let’s face it, the reason for the problems is technical progress. It forces changes and each manufacturer, such as Apple, must adopt new technology to be competitive. I would prefer usb-c over lightning for all Apple devices. And I wonder why they equipped the iPhone 11 with lightning and the Pro with usb-c. Did they save 5 bucks for each iPhone 11 they sell? Usb-c is superior... so why.

 

[fairuz]

What’s the difference between regularting what chargers one can use vs. just dictating what phones people should be allowed to buy? Or computer? Or tablet? Or smart device? Or anything?

Typical mush millenial: ”But they’re eliminating e-waste! Isn’t that great!”

These EU lawmakers aren't Millennials.

 

[kaz911]

To be honest - I do partly agree with standard setting. The standard should be flexible and future "enabled" so a new open connector could replace the current USB-C.

What I do not understand is why the USB-C charge standard is not being forced upon any device using up to 20 volt 5amp / 100w.

Lets get a generic DC power connector - now that would reduce waste...

 

[fairuz]

This is one of the most frustrating things I had to read. If you didn't believe in the USB-C as the ultimate port why did you go all USB-C on the MBP 2016? Well of course, to buy $20 dongles.

Because they claim USB-C is too thick for the phone, but it doesn't matter on laptops. I don't agree with everything Apple does, but I'd rather they decide than some lawmakers who wouldn't understand technology no matter how much you educated them. And of all places in Europe, where no electronic tech is ever invented but rather imported from the US. Why, because they've been pulling this kind of nonsense since the 1960s at the latest.

 

[CJM]

So I've made negative posts about articles I think are in poor taste or a bit rubbish, but this is a great article, so well done.

 

[skitidetdu]

Is making an European version with USB-C an optional way to go?

 

[Piggie]

Because they claim USB-C is too thick for the phone, but it doesn't matter on laptops. I don't agree with everything Apple does, but I'd rather they decide than some lawmakers who wouldn't understand technology no matter how much you educated them. And of all places in Europe, where nothing is ever invented but rather imported from the US. Why, because they've been pulling this kind of nonsense since the 1960s at the latest.

Which is a blatent lie as Apple has put USB-C on the latest iPads which are thinner than the latest iPhones.

 

[User 6502]

It'd be nice if the EU regulations would ban having wireless charging as the only option. This is something idiotic that Apple would likely try to do eventually, given their obsession with eliminating wires. While wireless charging is convenient, it's also inefficient and should never be the ONLY option. Imagine charging with a portable power bank and losing almost half the energy as heat because you can only charge wirelessly.

I disagree, I hope Apple remove all ports as soon as possible. It works for Apple Watch, it can definitely work for iPhone too. We’re talking about devices that absorb very little power anyway, efficiency is definitely not an issue. Or are you proposing to ban also wireless charging for electric toothbrushes?
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It'd be nice if the EU regulations would ban having wireless charging as the only option. This is something idiotic that Apple would likely try to do eventually, given their obsession with eliminating wires. While wireless charging is convenient, it's also inefficient and should never be the ONLY option. Imagine charging with a portable power bank and losing almost half the energy as heat because you can only charge wirelessly.

I disagree, I hope Apple remove all ports as soon as possible. It works for Apple Watch, it can definitely work for iPhone too. We’re talking about devices that absorb very little power anyway, efficiency is definitely not an issue. Or are you proposing to ban also wireless charging for electric toothbrushes?

 

[Woyzeck]

I never really understood what's so special on all of Apple's charging ports and data cables if there's still USB-A on the other side. So in fact those Lightning ports can't do anything that USB can't.

USB-C is the way to go and a common standard would of course increase convenience and reduce waste.

 

[User 6502]

Because they claim USB-C is too thick for the phone, but it doesn't matter on laptops. I don't agree with everything Apple does, but I'd rather they decide than some lawmakers who wouldn't understand technology no matter how much you educated them. And of all places in Europe, where nothing is ever invented but rather imported from the US. Why, because they've been pulling this kind of nonsense since the 1960s at the latest.

This comment is very ignorant. Europe has innovated and innovates in a lot of fields, including software and technology. That being said I disagree with enforcing usbc on iPhones: lightening connector is a far better option. I’d rather have no port at all and rely just on wireless charging.
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Hello, this might be a little harsh use of words, I agree. What I wanted to say is, that the EU tends to overregulate markets - and this is similar what you have when institutions want to regulate everything in your life. A charger port is nothing to worry about, but the EU does so much more here in terms of regulating markets, almost everything in peoples life. And without being true representatives of the citicens... I cannot imagine that french, Italian or British citizens would have voted for a German President of the EU ..
i see Apples point here, that this sort of equalizing so many things may lead to slowdown in Technological progress. Because every new feature that may be disruptive must have approval of the EU first ...
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I’m Italian and I don’t care if the president of the European Commission is German, french or Danish. What matters is that he or she is competent. Nations are an outdated concept anyway.

 

[miric]

My own thought regarding Lightning vs USB-C is misunderstanding why Apple is so stubborn about keeping Lightning on iPhones and non-pro iPads and further connection inconvenience. I have iPad Pro 11 and MBP 15 post 2015 and should struggle with charging cables all the time as well as connect Earpods to them. Another thing is having native Lightning - USB-C cable which does not allow to connect my USB-C-equipped Canon cam directly to my iPhone Xr to import photos from it. It requires extra adapter while direct connection to iPad Pro with only cable works well.

 

[robinp]

The EU are meddling busybodies who absolutely will...not...stop...EVER...until they have total control over everything. They'll never run out of things to meddle in, because doing so would threaten their jobs. This is just business as usual.

Can you explain what and how EU rules have negatively affected you? Or are you just thoughtlessly parroting ideas you’ve read in some tabloid rag or seen on some conspiracy site?

 

[Jim Lahey]

Can you explain what and how EU rules have negatively affected you? Or are you just thoughtlessly parroting ideas you’ve read in some tabloid rag or seen on some conspiracy site?

It's my opinion based on living in the EU and being a freethinking individual with the right to express my point of view. I'm not looking for an argument.

 

[nickgovier]

.

 

[iRutherford]

Do you really think Apple would make one version of the iPhone for the EU, and another for all other countries?

They're already doing an iPhone with a differentiated hardware since the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. In China, they sell an exclusive iPhone with a dual-SIM physical slot.

Let's also not forget that Apple significantly altered the insides of the iPhone 4 for its Verizon launch.

It's possible.

 

[RokeyKokey]

Seems like a good idea until someone comes up with an amazing new connector that supports fantastic new features, and the whole world can have it except for Europe.

Do they have no means of coping with industry change?
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They're already doing an iPhone with a differentiated hardware since the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. In China, they sell an exclusive iPhone with a dual-SIM physical slot.

Let's also not forget that Apple significantly altered the insides of the iPhone 4 for its Verizon launch.

It's possible.

What?! They sell an iPhone with a dual-SIM slot?! How does one acquire such?

 

[Coconut Bean]

It'd be nice if the EU regulations would ban having wireless charging as the only option. This is something idiotic that Apple would likely try to do eventually, given their obsession with eliminating wires. While wireless charging is convenient, it's also inefficient and should never be the ONLY option. Imagine charging with a portable power bank and losing almost half the energy as heat because you can only charge wirelessly.

I'd like to see energy waste tax incorporated into this.

Charge $20 if only wireless. (I know it is mutliples of actual loss)

This does not reduce e-waste. The same number of cords are still in circulation.. Only now there will be tons and tons of lightning cords and devices (treadmills, ellipticals, etc) that are now obsolete.

You are simply wrong. This will have no effect on existing devices. They will keep being just as functional for the already existing users. For future users they will have one cable. It actually makes it easier to design because you won't have to include that many cables.

Seems like a good idea until someone comes up with an amazing new connector that supports fantastic new features, and the whole world can have it except for Europe.

Then this amazing new connector can be made the next standard. Nowhere does it say this has to be the last connector ever.
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This will create more waste at least in the short term. People will buy new devices and then have to throw away and replace Lightening cables for new USB-C cables and adaptors.

It’d be great if the EU could try and tackle corporate tax avoidance and the lack of data privacy we as consumers have. You know, important things.

Obligatory, I am actually pro-EU generally speaking.

So you are against Apple changing the iPhones to usb-c because more waste?

 

[russell_314]

Lightning is designed to be fragile so Apple can profit off of recurring replacement cables and port repairs. If Apple is forced to adopt a universal reliable standard such as USB-C then there's no more incentive for Apple.

I'm all for universal USB-C plus it has USB-C to micro USB adapter for older devices.

You obviously don't have anything with a lightning connector... I've had numerous iPhones, iPods, and iPads and I've only broke one lightning connector. Not the part in the phone but the male end of the cable. It was because I had the phone plugged in inside my pocket.

 

[Enerccio]

typical apple crap, if you want "better" connector just have two, yours and usb-c.

 

[russell_314]

All the talk of more waste is a BS excuse to pass government regulations. Every device comes with its own cable. If anything changing to USB C will cause more waste when everyone throws out their old lightning cables. If they really wanted to reduce waste make the charger and headphones a separate sale items.

 

[daveak]

Yeah, they want to take our freedom away to have two chargers in our backpack instead of one. Those bastards!

(Would love to have the option to charge my phone while at work with the Macbook-charger.)

Buy a MacBook made in the last 4 years + Lightning to USB-C cable.

 

[Enerccio]

All the talk of more waste is a BS excuse to pass government regulations. Every device comes with its own cable. If anything changing to USB C will cause more waste when everyone throws out their old lightning cables. If they really wanted to reduce waste make the charger and headphones a separate sale items.

I have multiple usbc chargers yet if I buy iphone I will be stuck with single proprietary charger and to charge it at work I would have to buy another one. So it's waste of money (but hey, profit to apple) and now I have multiple chargers and multiple chargers. It's ridiculous. Just force crap companies with regulations so I don't have to worry about having bunch of chargers and have only single type at each place I want. Oh and wireless charging is even worse so it better force usbc on "no ports one" as well.

 

[ksec]

I just don’t get why Apple don’t just adopt it anyway.
Customers will be able to travel just one single cable. Surely that’s a good selling point? One charger, one cable.... all your Apple devices.

Why in 2019 they are selling an iPhone pro that has lightning with max USB 2.0 speed while also advertising 4K video is beyond me. You can record 10s of GBs of data yet it takes hours to get it off the phone.

You have one iPhone USB 10W Charger and a USB-C Cable, is that One Charger, One Cable for ALL of your Apple Devices?

The answer is no, your charger wouldn't be good enough for your Mac, nor fast enough for full iPad usage.

So you suggest changing your Charger to USB-C 100W Charger? That is great! Except your ONE USB-C cable isn't thick enough to support 18W+ usage. And hence you cant use it.

What about we all design the USB-C Cable to be 100W universal? Well no, the USB-C Standard even allow cables to be USB 2.0 ONLY.

FFS - Then we complain to USB Commission or what ever it is, ( it is called USB-IF ) to force the standards to have only the highest common factor! We could, but then everyone of us would have to paid higher price for something not every needs, and manufacturer will start complaining.

The market, at least for Smartphone, is now only left with two choice, Lightning and USB-C. And this is already millions times better than pre 2009 where All - Non Apple devices have their own crappy adaptor. To throw away hundreds of millions of Accessories and cables for the small convenient to another adaptor that does not provide any technical advantage.

I mean like For Pete Sake, if you dont trust me, go and read @cmaier replies. A proper engineers with technical knowledge and issues. Stop spreading FUD and misinformation.

 

[UBS28]

Hello, this might be a little harsh use of words, I agree. What I wanted to say is, that the EU tends to overregulate markets - and this is similar what you have when institutions want to regulate everything in your life. A charger port is nothing to worry about, but the EU does so much more here in terms of regulating markets, almost everything in peoples life. And without being true representatives of the citicens... I cannot imagine that french, Italian or British citizens would have voted for a German President of the EU ..
i see Apples point here, that this sort of equalizing so many things may lead to slowdown in Technological progress. Because every new feature that may be disruptive must have approval of the EU first ...
[automerge]1582364530[/automerge]

Fully agree here. Let’s face it, the reason for the problems is technical progress. It forces changes and each manufacturer, such as Apple, must adopt new technology to be competitive. I would prefer usb-c over lightning for all Apple devices. And I wonder why they equipped the iPhone 11 with lightning and the Pro with usb-c. Did they save 5 bucks for each iPhone 11 they sell? Usb-c is superior... so why.

It is simple.

If Apple changes their port, accessories have to be replaced.

You want to use your new iPhone in your car? Nope, because the EU banned the lightning port.

Apple users have plenty of lightning cables and the Eu forcing us to switch will cause a huge waste of cables.

Hypocrites.

 

[ksec]

Seems like the next step should be to roll it out to other gadgets, not engage in a War on Apple.

Exactly!.

Why force it on Apple. Why not force it on that New Electric ToothBrush? ( Why do I need s special Adaptor for it ? ), What about my Electric Shaver? Why does my 25W Modem or Router cant use USB-C PD as power?

There are hundreds of millions of CE that could use USB-C which wouldn't have any impact to current user experience and yet they decided to go against Apple. Why?