The regulations of the European Union that force electronic devices to count from now on more non-patented or exclusive charging methods of a single brand They have led Apple to abandon its classic Lightning standard and switch to USB-C for the iphone 15. However, he would still have found a way to keep profits only if you use his own cables.
The most recent reports of Ming Chi Kuo, one of the most reliable and informed analysts on the Apple ecosystem, mention that the Cupertino giant would restrict some of the benefits of USB-C, such as faster charging and higher data rates, so they are not compatible with competing products and are only available on MFi certified chargers that the same company makes.
Apple against third-party USB-C chargers
USB-C 20W charger would increase its sales with the release of the iPhone 15
Kuo’s words through the Medium site indicate that “Apple will optimize fast-charging performance of MFi-certified chargers for iPhone 15. Among Apple chargers, the 20W USB-C model is the most cost-effective option for iPhone users, leading to strong demand for replacement in the near term.”
If you don’t know what it’s about mfi certification, they were introduced in 2012 on Lightning ports and connectors based on a small integrated circuit that is capable of confirming the authenticity of the parts that are part of the connection. Third party charging cables do not have this componentso they often generate “This accessory is not supported” notifications if you use them on iOS ecosystem devices.
Taking these factors into account, Kuo expects Apple’s 20W USB-C Power Adapter shipments in 2023.”experience significant year-on-year growth of 30% to 40%, with a total of 230 to 240 million units”, with Apple supplier LY iTech standing out as the main beneficiary in terms of revenue contribution.
Finally, Kuo previously stated that the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will remain limited to Lightning/USB 2.0 speeds, while the faster transfer speeds would remain exclusive to the higher models of the new generation, that is, the iPhone 15 Pro e iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In this way, the concerns of many users that Apple will use the MFi program to limit functions such as fast charging and high-speed data transfer to force users to continue having to buy their accessories (which wouldn’t change the current landscape of your Lightning connections too much) now almost seems confirmed. What do you think of this possible Apple strategy?
