Every year we anticipate USB Type-C-powered iPhone models. However, Apple does not want to implement it. Is it a game of monopoly? Former Apple Vice President Tony Fadell thinks so. Tony who is also known as the “Father of iPod” has shared his views on European Union forcing USB-C.
Very true. Apple doesn’t like anyone dictating what it should do – just like when they were shamed to add Screen Time. They are being forced for the right reasons, both environmentally & technically, to move faster do the right thing. Same with right to repair. https://t.co/yq4RddHYcw
— Tony Fadell (@tfadell) October 6, 2022
Fadell said that he’s not concerned that the EU is forcing Apple and other smartphone makers to adopt USB-C, “they’re just forcing Apple to do the right thing.”
It makes sense because Apple is the only company using a different port for charging. It makes life much more difficult for general consumers. Especially, when Apple itself uses USB-C on iPads and MacBooks. So why not implement USB-C on iPhones?
Well, it is because Apple makes a lot of money through the MFi (made for iPhone/ iPad ) program for certified accessories.
Apple is a monopoly
I get it. Frankly forcing Apple to make this brain dead change for the planet through regulation is a much lot easier than a monopolistic legal trial. Again, Apple is abusing their market position & this is coming from the guy who made the 30 pin connector happen! https://t.co/mrVqOpHXJ3
— Tony Fadell (@tfadell) October 6, 2022
Tony Fadell went further and said that the USB-C regulation happened only because Apple had a monopoly-like position. The engineer believes that some consumer-friendly regulations and standardization are necessary because companies aren’t always interested in doing what’s right for society’s best interests.
Other telecom regulators are also considering the USB-C regulation
Not just the EU, but the U.S. Senate and Brazil’s telecom regulator have also been considering making USB-C mandatory for smartphones.
EU is more aggressive with the approach as they have passed the law stating “By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops.”
What will Apple do about the EU’s USB-C law?
Apple is forced to use USB-C on the iPhone 15 series launching next year. However, they could possibly make this change limited to the EU models. It will be a similar act to iPhone 14 models removing the SIM card slots on the U.S. version but all other regional versions had it. Though, it just makes more sense to completely adopt USB-C.
