Cupertino, California – Apple’s recent switch to USB type C charging cable on the iPhone 15 lineup has caused some confusion among consumers. An Apple authorized reseller in China has now warned iPhone users against using third-party USB type C charging cable, especially those designed for Android devices, to charge the new iPhones.
In an article published on the Chinese tech site CNMO, the unnamed Apple store stated that using non-Apple certified USB type C charging cable could potentially damage or even burn the new iPhones. They recommended using only Apple’s own USB type C charging cable to ensure compatibility and safety.
This warning stems from the fact that the USB-C ecosystem has differing standards for cables. Apple uses a USB 2.0-compatible cable in the iPhone 15 box, with the option to buy a faster USB 3-compatible data transfer cable separately. On the other hand, most Android phones utilize USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3 cables that support faster charging speeds. Using such cables with an iPhone could overload the charging circuits.
While Apple has switched to USB type C charging cable physically, the data protocol still utilizes Apple’s proprietary implementation. Most third-party cables are designed keeping Android or Windows standards in mind, which have less stringent power delivery specifications. Attempting to use such a cable with an iPhone could result in issues ranging from slow charging, compatibility errors, or in the worst case, physical damage.
The report has led to divided reactions from experts and consumers. Some believe the warning is exaggerated, meant to compel buyers into purchasing Apple’s overpriced cables and adapters. Others consider it a legitimate issue, considering the divergence between Apple and non-Apple USB type C charging cable standards.
As per Saul Hudson, founder of Chargerlab – a platform that tests cables and chargers, “The USB type C charging cable that comes in the iPhone 15 box is USB 2.0 speed rated for 480Mbps data syncing. On the other hand, most modern Android phones come with USB 3.1 Gen 2 cables that offer transfer speeds up to 10Gbps. Not to mention, the higher wattage charging on many premium Android devices. There is a risk of issues if you use such a cable with the iPhone.”
Nonetheless, he pointed out that not all USB type C charging cable cables have such discrepancies. “There are many that do adhere to the USB 2.0 specification. As long as the cable has the same data pins and power delivery as Apple’s packed-in cable, it should not cause problems for iPhone charging.” According to him, it is “unreasonable” to propose blocking all non-Apple USB type C charging cables, when many would function properly with the iPhone.
Linda Wu, an analyst at Fomalhaut Tech Research, provided an additional perspective, “While there may be some truth to Apple’s warnings from an engineering point of view, there is also a business angle at play. The profit margins on Apple’s cables and adapters are massive – much more than the actual manufacturing costs. So Apple does have a vested interest in pushing users to buy their 1st party accessories.”
She agreed that cables with significantly higher wattage and speeds are not advisable to use with the iPhone. However, Apple’s alarmist messaging helps them remove even standard USB 2.0 cables from consideration, thus locking customers into their own overpriced ecosystem. Wu believes Apple should provide concrete technical details on which cables can safely be used rather than a vague blanket warning.
When questioned about these concerns, an Apple spokesperson provided a brief statement – “We recommend using only certified accessories for the best experience and safety. Non-certified products may not work reliably with Apple devices.” They declined to clarify what certification entails and which third-party cables have been approved, leaving the door open for doubt.
This is not the first time Apple’s perceived practices to maximize accessory profits have caused uproar. When the iPhone 12 launched with MagSafe charging, Apple initially prevented third-parties from integrating MagSafe into their cases and chargers by restricting the required chip. After criticism, they were forced to provide MagSafe verification to select brands, allowing wider adoption.
The situation with USB-C cables is more nuanced. While MagSafe used a proprietary Apple technology, USB-C is an open standard that Apple has voluntarily adopted. Yet their vague branding of cables as “certified” or not runs the risk of excluding even standard-compliant accessories. Verifying actual technical specifications and differences between cables rather than general marketing warnings would provide more transparency.
As wired charging shifts to USB-C across their lineup, Apple may use the transition period to cast uncertainty on non-Apple accessories to establish their own cable ecosystem. While ensuring compatibility and safety is important, more transparency from Apple would be welcome regarding what protocols third-party cables must adhere to for use with the latest iPhones.
As this situation demonstrates, the long-running divide between Apple’s closed standards and the wider USB-C ecosystem continues to trigger tensions. But the consumer is left caught in the crossfire, having to choose between heeding warnings or calling Apple’s bluff based on conflicting technical information. Hopefully, clearer guidelines will emerge soon so buyers can make informed decisions when purchasing cables for the new iPhone 15 models.
