Rumors suggest Apple will bundle a faster 18W power adapter with its next-generation iPhones, expected to be unveiled this September, but third-party fast charger compatibility may be limited.
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Japanese blog Mac Otakara, citing information from suppliers, claims that third-party fast chargers may require USB-C Authentication [PDF] certification, or C-AUTH, to charge the 2018 lineup of iPhones at full speeds. Otherwise, the iPhones may display a warning, and limit charging speeds to a max of 2.5W.
USB-C Authentication is intended to protect against non-compliant USB chargers and to mitigate risks from maliciously embedded hardware or software in USB devices, so core to Apple, this seems to be all about extra security.
Apple is one of over 1,000 member companies of the USB Implementers Forum, so USB-compliant fast chargers are available from a wide variety of brands. Before purchasing a random fast charger from the likes of Amazon, though, it may be a good idea to check the list to see if the company is in fact a member.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)If they don’t and iPhones start exploading because of possible uncertified shady chargers, then Apple gets the heat as well.
Apple locking users into expensive cables and chargers again!
Are you confusing C-AUTH with MFi? One has nothing to do with the other.Although from a safety perspective I can understand why they are following this route too!
Apple loses either way: if they do this, people will complain that Apple is being closed as usual.
Closed how? Plenty of companies offer accessories that meet C-AUTH specifications. That has nothing to do with Apple.If they don’t and iPhones start exploading because of possible uncertified shady chargers, then Apple gets the heat as well.
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Yeah... but there is an easy way to fix that WITHOUT locking out 3rd party chargers: require specific user authentication to enable DATA in addition to CHARGE.
This doesn't lock out 3rd party chargers. This isn't MFi. It's C-AUTH.Thus:
(1) Plug into any charger and get power
(2) IF you also want to transfer data, unlock the phone and choose "OK" to enable data transfer
(3) Optionally enable THIS DEVICE to always permit data
Problem solved... without vendor lock.
Ah, yes, security reasons. Specifically, the security of being able to charge $10 / piece for an encryption key.
Apple MFI certification is already done on the charging cable. This is about limiting fast charging on the powerbrick side of things to authorized and safe chargers. C-AUTH isn’t an Apple standard nor uses an Apple chip or results in a royalty paid to Apple.-Pupi