The EU Commission has warned Apple not to withhold some functions for accessories certified by the company in the upcoming change of the charging plug technology of the iPhones. Restrictions on the interaction with chargers are inadmissible, emphasized EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton in a letter to the German Press Agency in Brussels. The EU directive on uniform chargers is to take effect from 28 December 2024.
Apple's in-house "Lightning" charging plugs have been used in iPhones since 2012. In Europe, it was decided to prescribe the USB-C standard as a uniform charging technology.
Breton's warning was based on media reports that Apple was considering using an authentication chip to restrict charging or data transfer via non-Apple certified accessories. "Devices that do not meet the requirements for the uniform charger will not be allowed on the EU market," Breton stressed. The Commission reminded Apple of this at a meeting in mid-March.
Apple is keeping a low profile
By the third quarter of this year, the Brussels authority wants to publish a guide to ensure a "uniform interpretation of the legislation". The chairman of the Internal Market Committee of the EU Parliament, the Green politician Anna Cavazzini, accused Apple of wanting to evade EU rules.
Apple does not comment on the reports or Breton's letter. Apple has a certification program for the "Lightning" cables. The company warns that uncertified "Lightning" cables could damage devices or not function properly. It would be technically possible, for example, to allow fast charging or data transfer at high speed only with certified USB-C cables.
In October, the EU member states had finally approved the project for uniform charging cables. Previously, they had negotiated a compromise with the European Parliament on the details. From the end of 2024, devices such as mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers and keyboards must be able to be charged via USB-C.