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Apple will be forced to use microusb chargers.
- Thread starter unnamedny
- Start date
shmn
Android Enthusiast
The Lightning connector is much better than microUSB. It's reversible, more robust, can handle higher wattage and has more pins. Why not make that the standard? I hate microUSB.
Not the first time a lesser technology beat out a superior one as a "standard". Too bad.
And Apple will not change...they will just include an adapter in the box which will cost consumers more $$.
So, like most poorly-thought-out legislation with good-intentions...another FAIL.
Not the first time a lesser technology beat out a superior one as a "standard". Too bad.
And Apple will not change...they will just include an adapter in the box which will cost consumers more $$.
So, like most poorly-thought-out legislation with good-intentions...another FAIL.
Their connector is their patent and Apple is not sharing it to anyone. It's not all about apple, I have multiple divices which use mini usb, micro usb, some camera usb that I don't even know what its called. You are not reading it correctly. Point of this is to have any phone to accept micro usb, meaning it must have microusb port in the device. Adapter will not cut it.
No point of law then, every device that doesn't use micro usb can have an adapter shipped, which makes law pointless.
sfbloodbrother
Extreme Android User
I remember reading this from a thread a long time ago. Its actually a really bad idea because it prevents innovation of better chargers. Like the next generation chargers. Like micro USB 3.0
psionandy
Extreme Android User
Or its a really awesome idea as it means that when someone comes into the office and doesn't have a charger, then they can just borrow one.
And that big box redundant chargers that people acquire, can be scrapped. When you get a new phone you can use a spare. Most 'innovation' in phone chargers didn't produce a better charger anyway. All that happened is that the manufacturers made their own chargers and used it to sting the consumer for the privilege.
shmn
Android Enthusiast
Did you read the article?
It all depends on how they write the legislation. And many laws are indeed pointless due to poorly thought out implementation or wording. Wouldn't be a first.
Codegerm
Android Expert
I don't believe it would be a bad idea. Innovation is in the phone, and not the charger, unless we are talking wireless charging. The only reason we had all kinds of different charging ports, was to force the customer to buy yet another charger, every time they got a new device, or to limit the customer to buy the same brand of device so they could keep their current extra chargers (car chargers etc). Improvements in communication speed have been accomplished without even changing plug design (USB 1.1 to 2.0 for instance), and DC power is DC power.
We even had an issue like this on early wired headsets (the talking on the phone kind). That went away, and we benefit from the fact that we don't have to buy all new accessories every time we buy a new phone.
If anyone remembers the genesis of micro-USB becoming the defacto standard for charging, it was mostly due to every single phone having a different port to charge with. Not manufacturer, phone. The EU, to their credit, got tired of chargers, car chargers, and accessories piling up in landfills, so they homogenized the port. It's why I an now able to keep my wife's old charger from her Moto Razr (original, the the droid one) as an emergency charger at work.
Laws like a chain reaction, many countries might follow if they are able to. Having an adapter in box does not make it microusb compatible, unless adapter is on the phone, which would make it very inconvenient. They are trying to solve multiple chargers problem, if every company including apple just include an adapter its not a solution. I haven't read the law but I would assume that devices must come with micro-usb ports integrated.
The microUSB connection interface was specifically designed to be more robust than the previous miniUSB i.e. an MTF of +10000 connection cycles, and the cable 'plug' taking most of the strain rather than the more expensive-to-replace device port.
It's been the standard interface for mobile devices selected by OMTP, GSMA, ITU and specified in the European EPS (external power supply) standard. The Memorandum Of Understanding for the latter was signed in 2009 by 14 device manufacturers, one of whom was Apple Inc.
This isn't some knee-jerk committee decision - it's been under consideration for five years.
p.s. the microUSB 3.0 connector is backwards-compatible with the current USB 1.x/2.0 pattern, simply adding an 5-pin "extension" to accommodate the additional data lines required.
It's been the standard interface for mobile devices selected by OMTP, GSMA, ITU and specified in the European EPS (external power supply) standard. The Memorandum Of Understanding for the latter was signed in 2009 by 14 device manufacturers, one of whom was Apple Inc.
This isn't some knee-jerk committee decision - it's been under consideration for five years.
p.s. the microUSB 3.0 connector is backwards-compatible with the current USB 1.x/2.0 pattern, simply adding an 5-pin "extension" to accommodate the additional data lines required.
Not going to happen. Because the Lightning connector is proprietary, patented and copyright
SiempreTuna
Android Expert
According to el Reg the proposed EU law has an opt-out clause so my betting is Apple will simply bribe - sorry, lobby - some politicos to get an exemption.
Personally, I think Apple should be forced to conform - without adapters - as the missus is an i-Phan and it's a PITA having all those extra cables (both of them) kicking about.
Personally, I think Apple should be forced to conform - without adapters - as the missus is an i-Phan and it's a PITA having all those extra cables (both of them) kicking about.
Unless an application for higher voltage DC that wants to be in a USB form factor comes along. If such a thing appears, and pushes to change the then-current USB spec, it'll have to fight the inertia of the mandated +5V USB spec for phones that's locked into place. Making say, a +12V plug be insertable into a micro-B USB port (to preserve the form factor and meet the intent of the regulation) is...not a workable solution.
Codegerm
Android Expert
I wouldn't see that being an issue. Modern electronic devices use less than 5 VDC to opperate. Even in old PC's, the electronic components ran on 5 VDC. The trend has always been to lower voltagerequirements.
LizMac
Android Enthusiast
I agree. I wonder when the patent on Apples chargers will expire? I prefer their charger for the reasons mentioned above. I'm all for everything from my iPod to my Kindle to my phone having one. Damn. Cord!! (well, my Kindle and phone already do).
Sure it's 20 years for US patents, think it's similar for others. So we'll probably have to wait a while. It's like the magnetic power connectors on Apple laptops, that's patented as well of course. No other PC maker does it AFAIK. Thinking about it, laptop power bricks, perhaps that's something that could be standardised as well.
I just checked the "what's in the box" for the China online Apple store.
- 装有 iOS 7 的 iPhone 5s
- 具有线控功能和麦克风的 Apple EarPods
- Lightning to USB 连接线
- 5W USB 电源适配器
- Lightning to Micro USB Adapter 转换器
That's why it costs so much in China 
But they've changed that connection twice already! So it's not like you can even use your old Apple laptop charger, never mind anyone else's.
And Apple changed the iPhone connection once already. So no doubt there's a whole load of obsolete Apple chargers and other accessories now in landfill or on Ebay.
Codegerm
Android Expert
I know a few iPhone owners that were mad at Apple for that too.
TBH I can see that the old iPod parallel connector was due an update - I don't blame them for that, because you can't stand still forever. But using a new proprietary connector rather than a standard was surely more a commercial rather than a technical decision (though no manufacturer would ever admit such things).