Having to be allowed to put USB-C on the iPhone, Apple has a new trick?

However, after an Apple executive confirmed that the company will make the switch in 2023, well-known leaker Ming-Chi Kuo has noted that the company is likely to throttle data transfer rates and charge via USB-C port on low-cost iPhone models and apply Apple’s MFI (made for iPhone) standard.

Although Apple has never confirmed (or denied) this information, the EU seems to have paid attention to it.

Recently during a meeting on markets and consumer protection of the European Parliament (EP), Maltese MP Alex Agius Saliba confirmed that the parliament views this rumored move as an attempt to ” evading charger legislation” introduced by the EU.

He also asserted that such a move from Apple would be evidence of the company’s attempt “against the EU’s universal charging regulation”, “against consumers under the guise of innovation” and “fake it”. care about the environment”.

The official stressed that “it’s all about profiting from their proprietary charging standard (Apple)”.

In an independent post on Twitter, Alex also revealed that Apple had failed to comply with a summons related to the EP’s uniform charging regulations, which is expected to ask the company to clarify about the speed limit rumors. Transfer data and charge on iPhones with USB-C ports.

Given that Apple has yet to comment on the rumor, the EP has not discussed the possibility of regulatory intervention.

The controversial issue, however, is the possibility of Apple implementing a feature that only allows USB-C accessories licensed by them to be used with USB-C iPhones. This indirectly eliminates competition.

It should be noted that MFi is a program that allows accessory manufacturers to design and manufacture iPhone accessories that adhere to Apple’s strict quality standards.

Apple claims the MFi certification acts as a “seal of quality” and prevents users from using substandard devices that could potentially damage their products.

However, Apple’s purpose behind the MFi program isn’t quite so lofty, as for every MFi-certified accessory sold, they earn a small commission.

For now, the EP is still treating the rumor of charging restrictions as an anti-competitive move, a complete violation of consumer rights. And we will still have to wait and see if the two sides can resolve these differences before the iPhone 15 launches in September this year.