Last year the European Union passed legislation that will require wired charging devices — including the iPhone — to have a USB-C port in order to be sold in the region. Even though Apple has until December 2024 to comply, it’s rumored that the switch from Lightning to USB-C will happen with the iPhone 15 models (expected to launch later this year).
However, a rumor surfaced in February that Apple may be planning to limit the charging speeds and functionality of USB-C cables that are not certified under its “Made for iPhone” (MFi) program and this potential move could pose a problem for the company, as European Commissioner Thierry Breton sent a letter to Apple warning 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.
Limiting USB-C cable speeds for non-MFi-certified ones could pose a problem for Apple in Europe
It’s important to note that this is just a rumor, and it remains to be seen whether or not Apple will move forward with the alleged plans. Furthermore, iPads with USB-C ports do not currently have an authentication chip, so it’s possible that Apple may not include one in the iPhone 15 models either.
Despite the warning from the EU, Apple still has until the end of 2024 to adhere to the law — which means that even if the iPhone 15 models are released with a USB-C port and authentication chip, they would still be on the market before the law goes into effect. The EU plans to publish a guide to ensure a “uniform interpretation” of the legislation by the third quarter of this year.