Apple may never acknowledge the EU’s role in bringing USB-C to the iPhone 15

Google may not be successful in its attempt to get Apple to adopt RCS messaging, but European Union lawmakers have successfully forced Apple and other brands to adopt another universal standard, USB-C, by the end of 2024. As a result , the iPhone 15 series expected to debut at the company’s Sept. 12 event next week could share a USB-C port with even the cheapest Android phones, all of which ditched microUSB years ago. While the ruling is a huge win for consumers — or anyone tired of carrying around more than one charging cable for their phones — there’s reason enough to believe that Apple will pitch the transition as its own concept, despite vehemently opposed the move before the legislation was passed.

The iPhone 5 in 2012 was the first to adopt the Lightning connector, leaving the 30-pin connector in the dust. More than a decade later, Apple is poised to replace one of its last remaining gadgets by using the USB-C port, albeit not of its own accord. Since the EU ruling has left Apple with just a couple of choices — adopt USB-C, make a region-specific iPhone, or go completely portless — it’s strongly rumored that it’s leaning into the switch, rather than trying to shy away from the truth behind it. exchange this year.

In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman explained that the change would cost Apple licensing revenue from Made for iPhone (MFi) accessory makers and make the company more vulnerable to people who conveniently ditch an iPhone for a device. Android. Still, Apple will likely portray the switch as a benevolent stroke of genius, planned with consumers at the center of its efforts.

For example, you can finally travel with a cable and charging stand that works with your MacBook, iPad, iPhone and, thanks to a new charging case, your AirPods. iPhone 15 Pro buyers will also benefit from faster wired data transfer and charging speeds, though Gurman speculates that Apple may limit performance when using non-MFi cables and adapters. Apple may adopt a universal standard, but that doesn’t mean it can’t keep some of its classic meanness alive and well.

To ensure the move doesn’t become a PR disaster (think headphone jack removal) Apple may never admit the EU’s role, at least on stage. Lawmakers believed that adopting USB-C in all phones would reduce e-waste generation, as more devices could share a uniform standard for cables and charging units. Apple has argued that switching to USB-C would render all current-generation Lightning accessories useless. Similarly, last year, Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak expressed disdain that governments are now meddling in product design decisions.

While the switch has several benefits for consumers, there is certainly a large swath of iOS fans who will be annoyed to discover the sudden obsolescence of some accessories, such as the old USB-A charging brick that came with older iPhones. . It seems fair enough to assume that Apple is a brand that would have stuck with Lightning if the EU hadn’t stepped in, at least until they follow up on the ever-present rumors of a device without ports.

It’s only a matter of time before we see Apple fans and new buyers take sides on the arrival of USB-C iPhones on store shelves. At the very least, you and your iPhone-owning friends and family will soon be able to lend and borrow a single charging cable. Now we only need RCS on iOS to ensure true harmony between the two platforms.