Techsponential’s expert says that in his view, the rules focused on online iPhone stores will not make a big difference; Because most consumers don’t need to use these stores and satisfy their needs through the App Store: “Most of them probably won’t learn how to sideload. “Most users, whether on Android or iOS, prefer to rely on the default settings.”
Apple’s biggest concern about the EU rules is the elimination of iMessage’s monopoly. iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging service that still does not support the RCS protocol and has a significant impact on increasing iPhone sales in countries such as the United States.
An analyst at research firm Counterpoint says the EU’s Digital Markets Bill calls for “interoperability” across messaging platforms. This is bad news for Apple; Because this company will be required to release iMessage on Android. At the moment, Apple has no plans to support RCS in iMessage, informed sources say. Google, the main sponsor of RCS, has repeatedly criticized Apple for this decision. Does Google lose the opportunity to take legal action against Apple with the support of Europe? Probably not.
The second big change to the iPhone as a result of the new EU rules is the use of the USB-C port. Apple has until December 28, 2024 (8 December 1403) to equip the iPhone with a USB-C port in Europe; Otherwise, he has to take the risk of banning the sale of iPhones and a heavy fine.
The change of iPhone charging port as a result of the European compulsion is big and small at the same time. Today, Apple uses the USB-C port on almost all of its other products, from the iPad Pro to the MacBook. Just look at Windows laptops and Android phones and Kindle e-readers to see just how ubiquitous USB-C is.
USB-C port
Lightning port
Apple has insisted on using the obsolete Lightning port for years. Considering the removal of the charger from the phone box and the special importance to protect the environment, Apple’s excessive emphasis on the Lightning port does not fit with logic.
Europe’s USB-C rule means those invested in Apple’s ecosystem will be forced to buy new chargers. Despite Apple’s obvious resistance, it was clear to us that sooner or later such an event would become reality.
One analyst says the USB-C rule is both good and bad for Apple users. On the one hand, Apple customers have to buy a new charger, and on the other hand, Android users who already have a high-speed USB-C charger can buy an iPhone without the need for a new charger. He goes on to point out that the port change probably cannot have a significant impact on the migration of users from Android to iOS; Because most people are used to the ecosystem they have been using for years.
Apple’s main problem is Europe’s attempt to interfere in iPhone design
Ovi Greengart says that Apple’s main problem is Europe’s attempt to interfere more in iPhone design. It’s not about USB-C being bad or different stores being problematic; Rather, the main issue is that Apple does not want to do such things.
Another important issue that the European Union is maneuvering on is the mandatory replaceable battery. This law is far from being approved; But if the European Union gives it the green light, companies like Apple will be in trouble. Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi today make phones whose batteries cannot be replaced by the user.
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