Due to new European regulations, Apple pretty much has to make its next iPhone iteration with a USB-C port instead of the company’s Lightning connector. But a worrying rumor suggests Apple might not make it that easy for people to utilize their existing cables with the new phone; per TechRadar, USB accessories for the iPhone 15 may need MFi certification, which is a certification handled by…Apple.
A tech leaker who goes under the moniker ShrimpApplePro (23K followers) recently tweeted out that “usb-c with MFI is happening.” MFi stands for Apple’s “Made for iPhone” program — and the tech giant Apple’s program can limit the functionality and performance of accessories that don’t meet this standard.
This rumor follows a previous claim on the Chinese site Weibo that the new iPhones will come with an authenticator chip, which would limit the functionality of accessories that aren’t Apple approved.
Apple has reasons for doing this that aren’t just a middle finger to Europe’s regulations: It makes them money, as the company charges third-party accessory makers a fee to get that certified MFi label. And there is a level of quality control; cheap or poorly-made USB-C cables can damage your tech.
This Is (Probably) What the iPhone 15 Pro Will Look Like
A photo and render leak confirms a major change that has been in the works for a whileSince there’s no proof at the moment, we’re left to speculate. Currently, iPads don’t have MFi certification restrictions, so if Apple’s being consistent, they wouldn’t apply these rumored USB-C standards to the new iPhones. So for now, hold on to your myriad of cables, as maybe none, some or all of them will work with the next Apple device.
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