The European Union has issued a warning to Apple that the iPhone 15 will be prohibited from one of the largest markets in the world if it continues to restrict the functionality of its USB-C port. In recent years, Apple has been criticized for its anti-competitive behavior with its Lightning connector, and the fight against EU legislators was so intense that the company agreed to move on to USB-C with the iPhone 15.
However, rumors suggest that the company is exploring the possibility of limiting certain USB-C functions so that they are only available when using the Apple company cable. This contradicts the idea of the general charging port, and the European Commission has warned that devices that do not meet the requirements for the general charging device “will not be allowed to the EU market.”
If Apple continues with its plan to restrict the USB-C port’s functionality in the iPhone 15, the device will be prohibited from one of the largest markets in the world. The next version of iOS will also introduce the possibility of installing applications from third-party sources to ensure compliance with legislation requiring support for third-party application stores. However, this feature is only expected to be available on iPhones sold in the EU.
Apple’s business strategy has come under fire in the European Union, and the company’s actions must align with EU legislation to continue operating in the region. It remains to be seen how this warning will impact Apple’s approach to the USB-C port and the iPhone 15 in the EU market.