Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 and its counterparts are expected to come with USB-C charging ports, aligning with the industry trend. However, a recent European Union (EU) directive may potentially impact Apple’s plans to limit charging speeds to its own MFi (Made for iPhone) certified USB-C accessories.
Speculation has been circulating that Apple’s proprietary chargers would offer faster charging capabilities on the iPhone 15 compared to third-party chargers. The implementation of MFi certification raised concerns about potential limitations imposed by Apple on charging speeds for non-Apple accessories.
In response to this concern, the EU has issued a warning to Apple, urging the company not to impose such restrictions. EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton reportedly conveyed to Apple that iPhones would not be allowed to be sold in member countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, if the company attempted to bypass the EU’s new USB-C charging policy.
Die Zeit, a German newspaper, reported that Breton stated in a letter to Apple, “Devices that do not meet the requirements for the uniform charger are not approved on the EU market.” This communication follows an earlier reminder to Apple about the new rules in March.
The EU has long been advocating for a standardized mobile charging solution to reduce electronic waste caused by unused chargers and to alleviate the inconvenience faced by users who need different cables for various devices, including Android and iPhone. The push for a universal charging standard has been ongoing for over a decade, and European policymakers have been committed to addressing this issue.
As the anticipated launch of the iPhone 15 approaches, Apple will need to carefully consider the implications of the EU directive and its potential impact on the availability of its devices within EU member countries. The company’s response to this directive will shape the future charging landscape and determine whether Apple adopts a more inclusive approach to charging standards in compliance with EU regulations.
