Apple was threatened with not being able to sell iPhones in Europe because of the rules for using USB-C. They also 'gave in' and ensured that the iPhone 15 would use the port.
However, based on the latest news, the iPhone 15 is still in danger of not being marketed in one of the world's largest markets. The reason is that Apple is said to be limiting USB-C capabilities on the iPhone, we were quoted as saying from Phone Arena, Monday (8/5/2023).
Now, Apple's behavior is what will reportedly violate the rules for using USB-C in the European Union. That is, devices that do not meet the standard charger feature requirements may not be marketed, which was disclosed by Thierry Breton, a commissioner at the European Union.
According to rumors currently circulating, Apple is said to be limiting the USB-C feature on the iPhone 15 if users don't use original cables from Apple. However, if the restrictions are made by Apple, the rules for using USB-C will be useless.
So even if you use a USB-C port, users still have to use a cable labeled Made for iPhone (MFi). MFi itself is a certification program launched by Apple in 2012 after the iPhone 5 used the Lightning port.
Third-party manufacturers can manufacture chargers or other accessories according to Apple's standards to ensure authenticity and safety, but they must pay a license fee of USD 100 per year to Apple.
This is also not the only business trick by Apple to circumvent regulations from the European Union. They will also allow sideloading, or installing apps from outside the App Store, on iOS. Of course to circumvent the application monopoly rules set by the European Union.
According to a report by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple may follow the EU rules, but it is limited to iPhones sold in Europe. So it is possible that iPhones sold in countries outside Europe will still have limited USB-C features and no sideloading feature.