Ref. Ares(2018)2528305 - 15/05/2018
Ref. Ares(2019)748406 - 08/02/2019
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
Industrial Transformation and Advanced Value Chains
Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Systems
Brussels, 15th May 2018
MEETING APPLE- CAB BIÉNKOWSKA ON 15TH MAY 2018
Participants:
-
Apple:
Jonathan Stuart Brown, Claire Darmon, Senior Government
Affairs Manager
-
COM:
Kristian Hedberg, Carsten Bermig (Cabinet Biénkowska),
(DG GROW)
Apple recalled the efforts put by industry in the development of the new Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU). In Apple’s view the new MoU satisfies the policy objectives of
ensuring consumes’ convenience and waste reduction. Apple stressed in particular the clear
trend and efforts by industry to move towards the common standardised USB-C interface.
They explained the advantages of USB-C, as a solution ensuring performance, safety and
security. They stressed their participation in the USB standardisation work, which
eventually resulted in the elaboration of standards on the connector, the cable, the power
delivery and charger interoperability. They argued that the USB-C interface is currently
the best solution to be used at the interface with the power supply. However, with respect
to the end of the cable interoperating with the electronic equipment (smartphones or other
devices), the manufacturer should be left the possibility to optimise the technical solution
to the specific device (hence, the justification for still keeping the proprietary lightning
solution for the iPhone) and look for innovative solutions.
COM pointed out that the expectation of the co-legislators was that a solution on a
“common charger” would be found. The new MoU, on the contrary, still gives the
possibility of using three different charging solutions. In addition, no mention is made of
adaptors, which were discussed as a possible option to ensure interoperability, while
keeping the possibility for manufacturers to still use proprietary solutions. Finally, the
MoU does not cover fast charging.
On the issues of adaptors, Apple replied that cables themselves (detachable from the
external power supply) are to be considered as adaptors. They argued that having an
additional adaptor from USB-C to lighting on the phone side would only add waste with
no benefit for the consumers. On the issue of fast charging, they stressed that this can be
provided in a standardised manner through the USB-C and disagreement among industry
was the main reason why fast charging was not covered in the MoU.
Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111
Office:
- Tel. direct line
COM recalled the political expectations and encouraged Apple to come up with possible
solutions going beyond the MoU. In the meantime, COM will consider the regulatory
option.
Apple stated they may be willing to look at other options, upon condition that the legacy
issue (continuous availability on the market of products already marketed, e.g. iPhones) is
properly tackled. They pointed out the risks that a delegated act under RED may be
challenged in Court, as one may claim that the Commission exceeded its power.
COM pointed out that a delegated act under RED is only one of the possible options to be
considered. A proposal through ordinary legislative procedure is another option.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions at technical level.
(e-signed)
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