When the next iPhone is announced, probably in September this year, there is one change that we can all expect. Apple will ditch the Lightning connector and shift to the European Union mandated USB-C. But there’s talk that Apple will do this in their own way.
There are rumours that Apple will extend their Made for iPhone (MFi) program. The suggestion is that the program will involve Apple adding some sort of control to the USB-C port so that full speed data transfer and charging over USB-C will require the cable to be certified under the MFi program.
If this comes to pass, Apple may yet find itself in the EU’s crosshairs. The point if the EU’s new laws is to make charging and data cables interchangeable so buying a new device doesn’t require the purchase of new cables or chargers. But if Apple chooses to use the USB-C connector but attaches its own smarts to the power so only Apple-certified cables operate act their peak, it could find itself in breach of the rules.
An analysis at Laptop says:
…speed should be the same with any compatible charger, and going as far to require the USB Power Delivery charging communication protocol on phones that require charging powers “higher than 15 watts.”
The phrase “compatible charger” could be interpreted openly as any USB-C power brick and cable, or it could be viewed as a slightly narrower lens of this Made for iPhone program.
While Apple could invoke its MFi program, this would not be without risk. Apple could find itself subject to legal challenges in the EU.
Of course, Apple could make the entire argument moot and ditch the port completely. Apple has included wireless charging for several device generations and technologies such as AirDrop and the abundance of cloud storage services has made the need to transfer files over a cable connection increasingly rare.
One thing is certain – the next generation of the iPhone will not have a Lightning port.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.