EU warns Apple about charging cable restrictions

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This was highlighted by EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton in a letter to the German Press Agency in Brussels. The EU directive on uniform chargers is scheduled to enter into force on 28 December 2024.

Apple’s own “Lightning” charging connector has been used in iPhones since 2012. In Europe, it was decided to prescribe the USB-C standard as the uniform charging technology.

In his warning, Breton cited media reports that Apple is considering using an authentication chip to restrict charging or data transfer through non-Apple certified accessories. “Devices that do not meet the requirements of the uniform charger will not be approved in the EU market,” Breton said. The Commission reminded Apple of this at a meeting in mid-March.

By the third quarter of this year, the Brussels authority plans to publish a guide to ensure a “uniform interpretation of the law”. Green politician Anna Cavazzini, head of the European Parliament’s internal market committee, accused Apple of wanting to evade EU rules.

Apple is not commenting on the reports or Breton’s letter. Apple has a certification program for “Lightning” cables. The company warns that uncertified “Lightning” cables can damage devices or not work properly. It would be technically possible to allow fast charging or high speed data transfer only with certified USB-C cables.

In October, EU countries finally approved the uniform charging cables project. They had previously negotiated a compromise on details with the European Parliament. By the end of 2024, devices such as mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers and keyboards should be able to be charged via USB-C.

(SDA)

Source :Blick