iPhone users have yet another potential update on their hands as rumours circulate about an unexpected development in the ongoing saga over charging ports.
An insider has suggested that Apple will soon roll out a USB-C rule for the upcoming iPhone 15 series.
But a new twist could leave iPhone users fuming if it goes ahead.
The tech giant is currently gearing up to release their latest series, iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Max, yet it seems that one big structural edit will change the way people use iPhones forever.
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The news comes after new regulations from the EU forced Apple to ditch the old lightning charger cable system.
The European Parliament announced that it would enforce the use of USB Type-C charging ports for 'all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU' in a bid to reduce 'hassle for consumers,' as well as 'curbing e-waste'.
However, the new USB-C rule may not actually benefit iPhone users at all as they will still have to fork out for new, official Apple chargers.
Since being introduced in 2012, the official Made for iPhone (MFi) lightning ports and connectors have been designed to confirm the authenticity of the parts involved in the charging connection.
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They contain a tiny circuit that is cleverly integrated into the technology to ensure that users are aware of the legitimacy of the connectors they use.
Cables that aren't MFi-certified - third-party charging cables, for example - don't have this circuit built into them.
Due to this, many users have experienced the warning: "This accessory is not supported" on their various Apple devices.
Now there are apparently plans to make new iPhones only support USB-C accessories that have been certified by Apple's own MFi program.
Taking to Twitter yesterday (28 February), the insider, who goes by the handle of ShrimpApplePro, tweeted: "Yeah USB-C with MFi is happening."
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They also explained that Foxconn - Apple's electronics industry supplier - had already started a 'mass production' on accessories like EarPods and cables to conform to the new certification.
An authenticator chip is allegedly put in place to encourage customers to buy genuine iPhone devices and accessories rather than unofficial third-party ones.
Alongside this, the chip makes it easier for the MFi program to expose counterfeit accessories which could be potentially harmful for the device itself.
However, while such advantages are important, it's clear that many Apple users were concerned by the leak.
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A Twitter user asked AppleShrimpPro: "What’s the difference between MFi and stock standard USB-C?"
The leaker replied in a follow-up, revealing that where would definitely be some hangups to the new rule.
"Cables with no MFi will be software limited in data and charging speed," they responded.
Though, just this afternoon, the leaker uploaded yet another follow-up, tweeting: "I probably think too negative about the upcoming USB-C MFi.
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"To sum it up, it's the same as Lightning MFi."
Effectively, if there rumours are true, iPhone 15 users can expect any unofficial cables to lead to limited data and charging speeds.
And the worst thing about it? Get ready to be hit with the much-hated 'This accessory is not supported' warning every time you use a counterfeit charger.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro phones are set to launch in September 2023.
UNILAD has reached out to Apple for comment.
Topics: Apple, Technology, iPhone
