Apple’s Throttling of Non-MFi USB-C Cables Draws Attention of EU Officials
Apple is a popular tech giant that provides various devices and accessories. One of its well-known products is the iPhone, which requires certain accessories to function properly, such as USB-C cables. The USB-C cable is widely used to charge iPhones and transfer data, but Apple’s recent rumors suggest that the company might be planning to throttle data and charging speeds on USB-C cables that don’t have the MFi badge. This certification ensures that devices and accessories are safe to use with iPhones.
In this article, we will discuss Apple’s recent rumors and the potential impact they may have. We will explore the EU’s new legislation regarding wired charging, Apple’s plan to throttle charging speeds, the role of certification, and the potential consequences of ignoring regulations.
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EU Legislation on Wired Charging
In 2022, the EU enacted legislation that requires electronic devices supporting wired charging to come equipped with a USB-C port. Although lawmakers did not name Apple explicitly, it is the only OEM still hanging on to a proprietary charging system. Apple has until the end of next year to comply, but the company will likely switch from Lightning to USB-C with the upcoming iPhone 15 later this year.
Apple’s Plan to Throttle Charging Speeds and Data Transfer Rates
Reliable leaker ShrimpApplePro tweeted in February that the tech giant is planning to throttle charging speeds and data transfer rates on USB-C cables unless they are certified MFi (made for iPhone). The rumor seemed credible since Apple has long had a chip in iPhones that detects whether or not an accessory is MFi-certified. A month later, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirmed that Apple is “optimizing” the speed of MFi chargers for the iPhone 15.
“I believe Apple will optimize the fast charging performance of MFi-certified chargers for the iPhone 15,” Kuo wrote in a March blog post.
The Role of Certification
The certification of accessories, such as USB-C cables, is Apple’s way of ensuring that these accessories are safe to use with iPhones. The MFi badge indicates that the cable has been certified by Apple and meets its quality and safety standards.
Potential Consequences of Ignoring Regulations
The European Commission pays attention to rumors and speculation, and Commissioner Thierry Breton reportedly penned a letter to Apple cautioning the company that it is not permissible to restrict the functionality of USB-C cables. Failure to comply with this requirement would make iPhones ineligible for sale in the EU when the new law goes into effect on December 28, 2024. According to Die Zeit, German press agency DPA, who obtained a copy of the letter, mentioned that the EU had already advised Apple about this matter during a meeting held in mid-March.
Apple has over a year to ignore Breton’s warning. In the meantime, ShrimpApplePro claims that the company already has MFi-certified USB-C chargers and cables in mass production with Foxconn. Theoretically, Cupertino can spend the last quarter of 2023 and nearly all of 2024 pushing its MFi chargers while throttling uncertified cables. Then when the deadline hits, a simple – probably already prepared – software update can go out to EU users that lifts the restriction on uncertified cables.
In conclusion, Apple is planning to throttle data and charging speeds on USB-C cables that don’t have the MFi badge. This certification ensures that devices and accessories are safe to use with iPhones. The European Commission has warned Apple against restricting the functionality of USB-C cables, and failure to comply could make iPhones ineligible for sale in the EU when the new law goes into effect. While there are still many unknowns surrounding Apple’s plans for USB-C and uncertified cables, it’s clear that the company is taking steps to ensure the safety and compatibility of its devices and accessories. As consumers, it’s important to stay informed and make smart purchasing decisions to ensure the best possible experience with our Apple devices.
