Apple Says Future iPhones Will Comply With EU’s Universal USB-C Law

Apple on Tuesday acknowledged that it will be changing the primary cable for its iPhones in the future, though it declined to offer details. What company executives did say is that they’ll comply with new European Union rules that require every new smartphone work with a common USB-C charging cable by 2024.

Apple executives suggested they weren’t particularly happy about the new rules when discussing them on stage Tuesday at the Wall Street Journal’s WSJ Tech Live Conference in Laguna Beach, California. Originally, Apple believed it had come to a compromise with EU regulators by offering a cord in the box with its iPhones that plugged into USB-C on one end and its proprietary lightning cable on the other. 

“We have no choice — as we do around the world, [Apple will] comply with local laws,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing. “We think it would have been better environmentally and better for our customers to not have a government be that prescriptive.” Of course, Apple’s been steadily adding USB-C ports to its Mac computers and iPad tablets. It’s also been rumored to be working on iPhones with USB-C ports for a while now, so it’s not a terribly surprising admission.

Still, the move is a rare public acknowledgement from the world’s highest valued company about the future of its products, and in particular how new government rules are shaping its business. Though selling lightning cables at £19 apiece isn’t what’s made Apple its billions in profits, the proprietary nature of its technology did help it create a branded ecosystem of accessories built specifically for its devices.  Over the past two decades, Apple’s licensed its 30-pin connector for the iPod, then lightning connector for the iPhone and iPad,  to accessories makers to create speakers, camera add-ons and all sorts of other items.

“It’s been a great connector and over a billion people have it already,” Joswiak said. When asked how Apple will integrate USB-C into the iPhone, he declined to discuss specifics. “The Europeans are the ones dictating timing for European customers.” While on stage, Joswiak and his colleague SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi, answered other questions about the company’s business.

They dismissed bringing iMessage to devices powered by Google’s Android software, saying the company wouldn’t be able to invest as heavily in an Android version and thus would hold back innovation.  The pair also coyly responded to questions about future products, such as whether there will ever be a Mac computer with a touchscreen. “Who’s to say?” Federighi replied. He did speak more forcefully about bringing employees back to the office, an issue that’s raised unusual public controversy between the company and its staff.

When Apple began talking about plans to return to the office last year, a group of employees pushed back saying they were worried about health and safety issues, particularly for those for whom exposure to the COVID-19 virus could cause harm to them or a family member. “Our whole culture has been about being in the same place together, building products in tight interdisciplinary teams, and that’s who we are,” Federighi said, adding that the petitions publicly posted online come from “I don’t know, a 10th of a percent of Apple employees.” “Of course, there’s some people who moved to Kansas and said, ‘This is where I want to be,'” he added. “Is that Apple employees?

It’s an Apple employee.

But I think a lot of us are thrilled to be able to engage with one another.

And I think it’s important.”

Tags:

compare-the-market listed on couponmatrix.ukindia-jane listed on couponmatrix.ukmoss listed on couponmatrix.ukpokerstars listed on couponmatrix.ukrock-n-rose listed on couponmatrix.ukshein listed on couponmatrix.uk
compare-the-market listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen it comes to selecting a new services provider, these days, there’s simply too much choice to check every provider, site, and offer out there! Thankfully, Compare the Market are here to help by checking the prices of over 390 providers to get you the best deal. With a Compare the Market discount code, you can get a great plan for even less. When Compare the Market is cheaper than going direct almost 88.33% of the time, you can be sure of a great deal!
india-jane listed on couponmatrix.ukIndia Jane is a leading retailer of timeless home furnishings, ranging from furniture, to decorative accessories and rugs, you’re guaranteed to love these classic pieces for your home. And with an India Jane discount code, you can save even more on the perfect home pieces. So whether you're looking for new furniture, some beautiful candles or just simply some inspiration for your home, be sure to check out India Jane. At Groupon, we work hard to find the best India Jane discount codes and promo codes so that you can save money on your purchase. We know that Indian-inspired home furnishings can be a bit pricey, so we want to help you get the most for your money. To use an India Jane discount code, simply enter it at checkout when you're shopping on their website. And be sure to check back often, as we update our coupons regularly. Happy shopping! One of our top-performing India Jane products is their beautiful rugs. These rugs are made with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, and they're sure to add a touch of elegance to any room in your home. And with an India Jane promo code, you can save even more on these timeless pieces. So if you're looking for a way to add some luxury to your home without breaking the bank, be sure to check out India Jane's hand-woven rugs.
moss listed on couponmatrix.ukWith a history of prestige that goes back over a century and a half, Moss Bros are a bastion for high-grade formal menswear that has endured London's high streets through thick and thin. Offering suits in a wide variety of forms - including 2 and 3 piece sets as well as personally tailored models - there's plenty of quality clothing to save on with a Moss Bros discount code. The Moss Bros stock is further bolstered by a multitude of shirts, shoes, bags and other accessories to complete your look and make you the most magnificent looking man in the room.
pokerstars listed on couponmatrix.ukLady luck is always present at PokerStars, the platform where poker enthusiasts of all skill levels and budgets congregate to win big. Even if you’re new to the game and just curious about how it all works, there’s always a PokerStars promo code onsite to give you more from your first deposit. Whatever game be your preference – be it Omaha High, Seven Card Stud or good ol’ Texas Hold’em – trust PokerStars to host the games you like at rates you can afford.
rock-n-rose listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Rock N Rose, the go-to destination for fashion-forward women who want to look and feel their best. Rock N Rose offer a wide variety of clothing, accessories and beauty products to suit every taste. And to help you get even more value out of your purchase, we offer Rock N Rose discount codes that you can use on your next order. So whether you're shopping for a new outfit for a special occasion or just stocking up on everyday essentials, be sure to take advantage of our Rock N Rose discount code and save! At Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best Rock N Rose discount codes and deals, so you can get the items you want at a price that fits your budget. We're constantly searching for new offers and updating our site with the latest discounts, so be sure to check back often and take advantage of our Rock N Rose discount code while it lasts! If you're looking for a new fashion-forward wardrobe addition, we highly recommend checking out Rock N Rose. They offer a wide variety of stylish clothing, accessories and beauty products that will suit any taste. Plus, with our Rock N Rose discount, you can get even more value for your purchase. So whether you're shopping for a special occasion or just stocking up on everyday essentials, be sure to take advantage of our Rock N Rose discount and save!
shein listed on couponmatrix.ukSHEIN is a fashion lover's dream, with thousands of new dresses, T-shirts and accessories added every week, and so many opportunities to get money off your shop! The brand regularly drops promo codes, flash sales and exclusive offers, like the chance to earn points with every purchase. We’ve found all the best money-saving tips, including SHEIN discount codes, student discounts and multi-buy deals, so whether you’re looking for the perfect dress, fun home decor or a whole new wardrobe, we’ll help you make your SHEIN haul even more affordable!