Don’t be too happy that Apple announced USB Type C port for its upcoming iPhones
We all are suffering economically because of Apple’s policy and standing itself apart from its rivals. There are a lot of things we admire about Apple and its unique and quality services. But there are still some tiny tweaks that Apple should really focus on. Here I am referring to the charging port. The world has shifted to USB Type C for smartphones but Apple is still clinging to the lightning ports. Because of this, you have to buy a separate cable, you can’t use your android’s USB type C cable or any other type C cable. And the worst part is the cable price is very costly. But thanks to the European Union, it has made it compulsory for Apple to provide Type C ports in iPhones. They have given a deadline that Apple should implement this law by 2024. You must be very glad to hear this news. Now you will be able to use your old type C cable and you don’t have to buy any other specific cable just for your iPhone. Even buying a new type C cable is way cheaper than buying a new lightning cable. But hold on, this might not be what it seems. Even with type C support in iPhones, you might not be able to use any type C cable.
Topics We Have Covered
Apple might limit its USB type C cable useWhat is Apple MFi? How does this MFi thing work? How MFi-certified cable will work in our iPhone but not non-MFi-certified? Why Apple is removing the lightning port and adapting USB type C? Is Apple doing good by limiting the support of USB type C? FAQsWhen will Apple provide iPhones with USB Type C ports? Will any USB type C cable work on iPhone? Which is better for iPhone, a lightning cable or a USB type C cable? Will iPhone's type C cable be different than other normal type C cables?
Apple might limit its USB type C cable use
You might not be able to use a USB type C cable in your iPhone in spite of having a USB type C port. What does it mean? You must be confused about what I am trying to say. Let me explain in detail. It is being said that upcoming iPhones will have a USB Type C port but Apple could limit the capability to only MFi-certified cables. It means those cables which are certified by Apple will work with the iPhones and those uncertified will be useless. What is Apple MFi? How does this MFi thing work? In simple words, Apple MFi is a program that gives permission to third-party manufacturers to design, develop and produce accessories related to Apple products like Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc. In this program, Apple provides its full support giving technical details and some resources as well so that the final product the third-party manufacturer is making just works with Apple products. To summarize, Apple MFi-certified accessories are accessories that are made with the mutual help of Apple and third-party manufacturer just to make sure the final product is fully compatible and works seamlessly with Apple products. Of course, Apple takes some commission/share from each accessory and this is why MFi-certified accessories of Apple are priced so higher. There are numerous MFi-certified accessories in the market such as Magsafe accessories, lightning cables for charging, iPhone cases, external power packs, etc. How MFi-certified cable will work in our iPhone but not non-MFi-certified? As said earlier Apple helps in the manufacture of the accessory. Currently, even non-MFi-certified accessories work with Apple products. For example, the latest iPhone 14 series can be charged with a non-MFi-certified lightning cable. Although both types of accessories work with Apple, MFi certified provides a better experience. So how non-MFi-certified type C cable will not work in our iPhone? Many reports are saying that Apple has developed a physical chip that will be used in its type C cable. This chip will be inserted for the sole purpose of identification of MFi and non-MFi cables. It means this new chip will be able to talk to the iPhone. It will assist the cable to distinguish between the MFi and non-MFi cables. As per the latest report, it is said that iPhones will not be able to detect non-MFi-certified cables. If you have a third-party type C cable that is non-MFi then it might be impossible to use and charge your iPhone. As of now, it is unclear whether Apple will completely make non-MFi type C cable useless for charging or it will simply put some limitations like charging watt limit. Now that you have learned how Apple is cunningly planning to make a universal type C port just limited to Apple. Let’s know about some other related information.
Why Apple is removing the lightning port and adapting USB type C?
First, Apple never wanted to adapt the USB type C port. It wanted to stick to its old lightning port. The reason is simple Apple wants to keep things exclusive, in other words unique. This helps Apple to create its own product and own ecosystem. This stands out Apple from the crowd. In my opinion, this all is for money. Let me understand you with an example. Apple has a lightning port that no other company gives. So if you buy an iPhone, you simply have to buy a lightning cable from Apple. You can’t use any other cable. Also, the price of the lightning cable is expensive but you have no choice other than to buy it. This is how Apple earns money by being different. European Union has forced Apple to provide type C ports in their iPhones. If Apple does not provide type C port by 2024 then iPhone will be allowed to be sold in the Europe market. Apple has no other option.
European Union States The main reason European Union made this decision is to reduce e-waste(electronic waste). More type of chargers means more production and this leads to more e-waste. If one type of charger is used then this can replace all other chargers reducing waste. Another reason is that among the types of ports used in smartphones, USB type C is the fastest. It supports ultra-fast charging and the data transfer speed is way faster than the lightning cable or any other USB port. Also Read: FT Tech News 11: WhatsApp new feature, Bard AI cost $144 billion to Google, Google Lens big upgrade, Instagram walking in Twitter footsteps, Ford plans to cut jobs
Is Apple doing good by limiting the support of USB type C?
From the users' perspective, this decision of implementing a chip and making non-MFi cables not work is totally wrong. If Apple allows every type C cable to work then a user can use his old type C cables, buy a cable at a cheaper price and the most important thing is its availability. In case you forget your charger which we often do, you can ask anyone for a type C cable(everyone has a type C cable except iPhone users) anywhere and use it. Apple dividing accessories into MFi and non-MFi is somewhat acceptable. Because both types of accessories work in iPhones and Apple products. But creating a special chip that will stop the use of non-MFi cables and accessories is totally unethical. I feel as a brand Apple should care about users' comfort and usability. If Apple does the chip implementation then what is the point of shifting to the USB type C port? Yes, charging and data transfer wise it will be better, but the purpose for which the European Union made the law of USB type C to reduce e-waste will be a total waste. Because this special type C cable will not join the universal type C cable instead just replace the lightning cable. So personally, if Apple comes with this special limited to iPhone type C cable then it will be a mockery of the law and against e-waste. One last thing I want to add is that if you are to buy an MFi or non-MFi accessory, go with an MFi-certified accessory because you are buying an Apple product which is of premium price so expending a little more for quality accessory should not be much of a problem. This will hugely improve your experience.
FAQs
When will Apple provide iPhones with USB Type C ports?The European Union has given a deadline of 2024 by which Apple has to start providing USB type C ports in its iPhones. But according to reports, Apple will start providing type C port with the iPhone 15 series which will probably be launched by the end of this year.Will any USB type C cable work on iPhone?As per reports, Apple is developing a special chip that will identify MFi- certified accessories and non-MFi-certified accessories. And only MFi-certified accessories i.e cable will work in iPhones. So if have an old type C cable or even a new one but are not certified then it will not work on your iPhone.Which is better for iPhone, a lightning cable or a USB type C cable?USB Type C is much better because it provides better charging speed and faster data transfer speed.Will iPhone's type C cable be different than other normal type C cables?Yes, as per reports, iPhone's type C cable will have an additional Apple chip for the identification of MFi- certified accessories and non-MFi-certified accessories. Read the full article