Apple's rumor that it would require certification of USB-C accessories to work properly with the iPhone 15 was always going to draw the ire of European regulators. Members of the European Parliament have accused Apple of trying to circumvent rules regarding the adoption of USB-C.

Recall, the European Union passed a law last year requiring a common charging port for devices sold in Europe by 2024. As a result, Apple has been forced to give up its proprietary Lightning port and adopt USB-C. Rumor has it that Apple will adopt USB-C when it releases four new iPhone 15 models this fall that offer USB-C connectivity.

Subsequent rumors suggest that Apple plans to require manufacturers of chargers, cables, and other phone accessories to enroll their USB-C devices in the company's Made for iPhone (MFi) program. MFi certification means that accessories are guaranteed to work properly with Apple phones USB-C add-ons that skip MFi certification are said to risk not charging the iPhone at full speed.

If accurate, this would create a tiered system of accessories, with MFi products getting preferential treatment over other cables and chargers. It would also appear to go against EU guidance to provide a common charging protocol that works the same way across different handsets. And that is exactly what the MEPs insist on (opens in new tab).

Alex Agius Saliba of Malta said in a speech that Apple's plan to offer different charging speed stages is a "direct violation of the law."

"If these rumors are true, it proves that Apple's lobbying against universal chargers over the past decade has been all about profit, not innovation as they claim. Such companies don't care about the consumer, they don't care about the environment, and they don't care about the environment."

In addition to the possibility of requiring MFi certification for USB-C accessories, Apple may make the iPhone 15 Pro model transfer data over USB-C faster than the standard iPhone 15. Such a feature would be part of an effort to better differentiate the iPhone 15 from the iPhone 15 Pro and make consumers more willing to pay for the more expensive Pro model.

According to Saliba, the European Commission will send a letter to Apple regarding the company's USB-C plans. He added: "A big company like Apple cannot continue to do whatever it wants at the expense of consumer rights."

The switch to USB-C is just one of the rumored changes in the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 Pro is also expected to feature improvements to both the chipset and camera, and the Dynamic Island feature is expected to be adopted across the iPhone lineup. iPhone 15 is expected to be released in September, but Apple has yet to issue official guidance.