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Fast Chargers May Require USB-C Authentication to Work at Full Speed With 2018 iPhones

Monday July 23, 2018 6:01 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
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.


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.

Related Roundup: iPhone XS
Tags: USB-C, fast charging
[ 119 comments ]

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Andres Cantu
16 months ago
Apple loses either way: if they do this, people will complain that Apple is being closed as usual.

If they don’t and iPhones start exploading because of possible uncertified shady chargers, then Apple gets the heat as well.
Rating: 30 Votes
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logain
16 months ago
Ah, yes, security reasons. Specifically, the security of being able to charge $10 / piece for an encryption key.
Rating: 18 Votes
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zorinlynx
16 months ago
Why is the fallback speed 2.5W? Shouldn't it be at least 5W, which is the power that 99% of chargers support?
Rating: 16 Votes
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69Mustang
16 months ago

Apple locking users into expensive cables and chargers again!

Although from a safety perspective I can understand why they are following this route too!

Are you confusing C-AUTH with MFi? One has nothing to do with the other.

Apple loses either way: if they do this, people will complain that Apple is being closed as usual.

If they don’t and iPhones start exploading because of possible uncertified shady chargers, then Apple gets the heat as well.

Closed how? Plenty of companies offer accessories that meet C-AUTH specifications. That has nothing to do with Apple.
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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.

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.

This doesn't lock out 3rd party chargers. This isn't MFi. It's C-AUTH.
Rating: 14 Votes
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Pupi
16 months ago

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
Rating: 12 Votes
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jclardy
16 months ago
This is fine with me...as long as Apple's existing USB-C chargers are already compliant. This will be extremely stupid if the 29w charger I have for fast charging my iPad won't work for fast charging on a new iPhone. It is already incredibly stupid how much I have to swap around cables between lighting/USB-C for my latest Apple hardware.
Rating: 12 Votes
Avatar
JRobinsonJr
16 months ago

For people's own safety so they don't catch malware.


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.

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.
Rating: 10 Votes
Avatar
TheRealTVGuy
16 months ago
After the reports of fires from cheap Chinese knock-offs, I can see how this would be a good thing!
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
dantroline
16 months ago

Apple locking users into expensive cables and chargers again!

Although from a safety perspective I can understand why they are following this route too!

Why can't you just decide to tell the phone to charge unless you want to tether? Unlock to set. Surely in that situation the USB port is safe? My Android phone does that. Am I missing something?
Rating: 7 Votes
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profets
16 months ago
I don’t think this is the popular opinion - but I agree with what’s being said in the article.

I feel it’s best to be safe when it comes to power and charging.

Just my use pattern, but I only ever charge my iPhone overnight, and 5W is more than enough for that daily recharge.

I can absolutely appreciate faster charging, but I think one should be careful with chargers and cables for this use. I do think Apple should have decently priced USB-C fast chargers for those who’d like to make use of it.
Rating: 7 Votes

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