EU responds to Apple's criticism of stifling innovation! Forcing USB-C to be used is more environmentally friendly

Not long ago, the European Commission formally proposed a bill to unify the charging interfaces of consumer electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and game consoles into USB-C.

In response, Apple bluntly stated that the EU's actions are stifling innovation.

According to the EU official website, the EU denied Apple's statement and said that a unified charging interface is more beneficial to consumers and the environment.

Anna Cavazzini, chairwoman of the European Commission for Consumer Protection, noted: "If a new standard emerges that is better than USB-C, we can adjust the rules." The rules could take effect as early as 2024.

It is understood that from the iPhone 5 in 2012 to the iPhone 13 series released this year, Android smartphones and iPhones have undergone earth-shaking changes in the past 10 years, but only the Lightning interface has not changed at all.

It should be noted that some media have stated that Apple is unwilling to give up the Lightning interface because it does not want to lose a large amount of licensing fees.

It is reported that third-party Apple accessories generally have to purchase dedicated chips from Apple and obtain MFi authorization. Once they switch to USB-C and adopt the PD charging standard, most of the PD chargers and dual C-port data cables on the market will be able to be used directly, eliminating the MFi authorization, and Apple will lose a lot of revenue as a result.

The EU emphasizes that unifying USB-C will enhance environmental protection while saving users approximately 250 million euros each year.