Apple has officially released the iPhone 15 series with a USB-C interface, Can we use an USB-C Android charger to charge an iPhone 15?
This depends on whether the iPhone 15 from Apple has MFi restrictions. But it is still unknown whether this interface is subject to MFi.
According to accessory manufacturers, even though the Apple iPhone 15 series uses a USB-C interface, it may not be compatible with Android data cables because Apple has encrypted the USB-C interface, and only data cables certified by MFi can function properly.
Some readers may still not know what the MFi protocol is, so let's briefly explain it here.
What is MFi?
MFi is an abbreviation for 'Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad.' As early as 2012, Apple introduced the MFi certification system, which is a form of licensing permission for external accessories produced by authorized accessory manufacturers.
In other words, third-party manufacturers who wish to produce accessories such as chargers, data cables, power banks, and other products compatible with Apple devices need to obtain MFi certification from Apple.
According to authoritative organizations, Apple collects patent fees of over $3 billion annually through MFi certification, which is a rather astonishing figure.
Why doesn't Apple's iPad with a USB-C port require MFi certification, while the iPhone 15 might have MFi restrictions?
It's the massive sales of the iPhone that make it difficult for Apple to give up the benefits brought by MFi certification. Apple has been reluctant to switch from the Lightning interface to the USB-C interface is because the MFi protocol has been generating substantial profits for the company every year, even in the face of criticism.
Therefore, considering this profit alone, Apple may not easily abandon the MFi certification agreement, and they might even come up with another set of solutions.
For everyday charging, you can use a regular Type-C cable, but if you want to activate Apple's fast charging or transfer files, you must use an Apple data cable with MFi certification. Unable to trigger Apple's fast charging protocol, resulting in extremely slow charging speed.
Of course, MFi certification is not free; it requires a significant certification fee and substantial manpower costs.
According to industry insiders, producing a data cable that meets MFi standards involves going through 32 designated processes, with at least 45 workers on each assembly line, and the final pass rate is only 2%.
Moreover, each MFi certified cable also requires the implantation of a certification chip inside (which costs approximately $2). In other words, just having a data cable that is MFi certified adds an additional $3 to $4 to the manufacturer's cost.
This is also why data cables with MFi certification are more expensive than regular data cables. (Of course, most of the profits from this go to Apple.)
As reported by Germany's 'Zeit Online,' the European Union (EU) has issued a warning to Apple, stating that they do not allow Apple to restrict the functionality of USB-C cables or limit the charging speed of third-party accessories.
Otherwise, Apple may be prohibited from selling smartphones in the EU. We will only know for sure once we get our hands on the first batch of iPhone 15!
Still worried about charging? Let our latest Apple 15 exclusive portable charger supply solve your doubts. You can also get the biggest coupon when you buy now, so contact us!
