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EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

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Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#41

Post by kstenerud »

oger wrote: post #16

First of all: the EU definitely had good intentions when regulating the charger mess. The amount of incompatible chargers rotting in drawers and (possibly) landfills could definitely be reduced over time by agreeing on a common physical and electrical interface. However — limiting technical progress is not a good idea and we see that with the plethor of different power modes existing within USB-C. Possibly politician…

> limiting technical progress is not a good idea and we see that with the plethor of different power modes existing within USB-C.

Who is limiting technical progress? The laws don't state that only USB-C can ever be used; they state that chargers must all be compatible. Want to improve it? Contribute to USB, or come up with an entirely new standard that everyone can agree to.

> What if a company (Apple) comes up with a more efficient but also more elaborate way to quick charge their equipment?

Then they contribute to the next USB standardization, same as everyone else.

> How would you handle a situation where non-compliant chargers could even harm this equipment?

Same way it's currently done: Through consumer protection laws. USB standards are called standards for a reason.

> USB-C already is way too complex for the average Shenzen cookie cutter factory to implement it correctly.

And yet people are happily using USB-C to power all kinds of devices.

> How would you protect your customers from such a situation?

CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS

Enough with the FUD.

Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#42

Post by devinprater »

Lol and a lot of Apple's charging cables are Lightning to USB C now. I can't wait to get a USB C iPhone. All my stuff is USB C, from my Braille display to my game controllers. It'll make things so much easier to only need one kind of cable for everything.

Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#43

Post by franga2000 »

kweingar wrote: post #24
have_faith wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you elaborate?

To be clear, I am pro USB-C, but I do get the arguments from the other side. If I have a lightning cable and a device with a lightning port, I can plug it in and not really think much about it. If I have a device with a USB-C port and a USB-C cable, I have no idea whether I can charge at full speed or even charge at all. As an example, I plug my Xbox controller into my PC via USB-C. It keeps it fully charged. Recentl…

Lightning "just works" only because it's all made and validated by Apple. If you want guaranteed compatibility, just keep buying Apple-branded Type C cables and adapters like you did for Lightning.

The only difference now is that you also have the option of using other cables and adapters if you want/need to, as well as use your Apple charging stuff for charging other things.

Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#45

Post by tinus_hn »

kstenerud wrote: post #23
sjaak wrote: post #13

“Owing to the significant amounts of electronic waste caused by unused chargers …” Really?

Yes, really. I still have a box full of old transformers kicking around from the bad old days. Now about half of my stuff is USB-C powered, and in another 5 years when I finally ditch the last of my old stuff I won't need a bunch of 5, 9, 12, and 15 volt power connectors (some AC, some DC) with 0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 amp capabilities, in three different barrel connector sizes and two polarities. And of course App…

Apple doesn’t use ‘Apple connectors’ on the phone chargers, they are universal USB adapters.

Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#46

Post by worewood »

yardstick wrote: post #36
henearkr wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What technical progress. Don't you think that 20V and 240W that are the maximum for Power Delivery are enough to fast charge a smartphone? Even laptops use it!

It’s not universal until we can power appliances, TVs, Microwaves, Fridges, Ovens, and EV Cars with it.

Here, you dropped this:

/s

Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#47

Post by orra »

kstenerud wrote: post #23
sjaak wrote: post #13

“Owing to the significant amounts of electronic waste caused by unused chargers …” Really?

Yes, really. I still have a box full of old transformers kicking around from the bad old days. Now about half of my stuff is USB-C powered, and in another 5 years when I finally ditch the last of my old stuff I won't need a bunch of 5, 9, 12, and 15 volt power connectors (some AC, some DC) with 0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 amp capabilities, in three different barrel connector sizes and two polarities. And of course App…

Similarly, finding the right replacement DC adapter for electronics is challenging. I have had to do this a few times, to avoid travel adapters bundled with equipment.

Roll on more USB C dominance.

Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#48

Post by kweingar »

henearkr wrote: post #33
kweingar wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

To be clear, I am pro USB-C, but I do get the arguments from the other side. If I have a lightning cable and a device with a lightning port, I can plug it in and not really think much about it. If I have a device with a USB-C port and a USB-C cable, I have no idea whether I can charge at full speed or even charge at all. As an example, I plug my Xbox controller into my PC via USB-C. It keeps it fully charged. Recentl…

With the same Xbox cable but with a proper charger, does it work? Most of the time, you avoid problems of "PD device hierarchy" by using a proper charger (i.e. a device that only has the functionality to charge other devices).

Using the Xbox controller cable with an actual charger does work. The confusion came with how the PC delivers power to the controller but not the headset.

It’s ultimately not a big deal, and it’s surely something I can learn to intuit. But I think lots of consumers (I think about my poor mother) would benefit from a clearer labeling scheme on the various devices, ports, chargers, or cables.

Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#49

Post by henearkr »

f1shy wrote: post #40
henearkr wrote: post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you realize your parallel doesn't apply here? We're speaking about an iPhone, not a fridge nor a car.

Power is not the only parameter…

Fine, just speak your mind.

But for charge speed, the only parameters really are voltage and maximum current. Both are plenty enough (for a smartphone battery) in the PD standard.

Re: EU sends Apple stark warning over USB-C charging on new iPhones

#50

Post by ranguna »

oger wrote: post #16

First of all: the EU definitely had good intentions when regulating the charger mess. The amount of incompatible chargers rotting in drawers and (possibly) landfills could definitely be reduced over time by agreeing on a common physical and electrical interface. However — limiting technical progress is not a good idea and we see that with the plethor of different power modes existing within USB-C. Possibly politician…

When this all started, I had the same argument of hindering technical progress. But then I realised that all companies have to do is support usb c, it's fair game if they want to add another plug alongside it.
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