iPhones With Micro USB Coming in 2011

Way back in June 2009, major phone manufacturers agreed with the European Commission to make Micro USB the standard charging port for mobile phones. The participants included Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, and — wait for it — Apple.

The thought of an Apple iPhone using a standard port seems crazy. I’m talking Brian Fellow, “That’s crazy!!!” Apple makes a ton of money licensing accessories that use its proprietary port (that dates back to the iPod). Accessory manufacturers enjoy the premium price associated with iPhone and iPod accessories. That said, I don’t think it really impacts accessories outside of chargers. I envision the iPhone 5 having both the proprietary iPhone port and the Micro USB port. While it’s smart to play ball with the European Commission, in my head Steve Jobs hates it and is thinking something like:

God damn frogs (not that I believe in God)!!! We bail their asses out of war decade after decade and they repay me by forcing an extra hole on my beautiful products?!? Damn it Jony Ive! Get your people to rescind this stupid frickin’ agreement (and learn to cook some food that doesn’t taste like crap). My iPhone should not have anything in common with inferior phones (i.e. any phone that’s not an iPhone). Everything about it is better and more beautiful — including the charging port! Micro USB is just the first step on the long road to communism.

Also, I wonder what happens if a phone manufacturer doesn’t comply with the agreement? Will they go to European Commission phone jail? Or just be fined a lot of money?

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Author: RPadTV

https://rpad.tv

16 thoughts on “iPhones With Micro USB Coming in 2011”

  1. I think Apple will skirt this by having inductive charging on their phones standard. Problem solved.

      1. @Ray

        Simple, they aren't using any kind of plug in adapter to charge the phone. Hence they can avoid having to add a micro usb or abandon the 30 pin in lieu of only having one external connection.

        I wouldn't think this is legally binding in any way though.

      2. That seems unlikely and against the whole point of the agreement. I doubt the 30-pin plug will abandoned because of existing compatible accessories. Adding Micro USB seems easier and cheaper for consumers than having an inductive charging solution.

      3. @Ray

        What could be easier than setting a phone down and having it charge?

        Besides what is easiest and cheapest for the consumer doesn't concern Apple necessarily. They make a ton off of licensing their connection to accessory manufacturers. (looking at you mini DVI)

        Apple's ethos is that of a minimalist, inductive charging and wireless syncing are their future…not another port.

        unless they have to make a specific model for sale in the EU.

  3. OTA syncing will not be reasonable for a large number of users. Having that be the primary method of charing — which would require an expensive accessory — is also unreasonable. What was the point of Apple being part of the agreement if it wasn't going to play ball? Adding Micro USB would make things easier for, at least, Apple's European customers.

    1. Also, inductive charging is less convenient and more expensive for frequent travelers. It's easier and cheaper to travel with a Micro USB charger than a charging mat.

  4. @Ray

    An expensive accessory for OTA sync? Wifi and bluetooth? That is standard on their devices and you'd have to remove wifi from a computer for it not to have it. Asus's new LGA1155 boards come standard with the new bluetooth tech, so that is becoming quite normal. Frequent travelers aren't the norm, so them buying an extra accessory is not a big deal.

    Why be a part of it? Because they were being drug through antitrust investigations in the EU for the iPhone. I can't find where there is a penalty for not adhering to this.

    It comes down you thinking Apple will play ball to be nice and conformist…or me saying they did it just to satisfy EU regs while they were being looked at.

    1. You misunderstood. It would be an expensive accessory for charging. An proprietary charging mat would cost more than a Micro USB charger.

      Frequent travelers aside, a lot of people would have to lug a mat from home to work every workday or buy two. Again, Micro USB is cheaper and easier.

      1. The powermat ppl are trying to get their tech built into devices. Provide a license and let the manufacturers make it work. I read that on Ars around Halloween I believe. I'm not against MicroUSB I'd just prefer one or the other. I don't want that many holes in my phone. These things are expensive and I don't like dust to ruin them.

        Again if I have to buy a micro USB for home and work that is no different than a mat or 30pin for me. In fact I have a charger at home, work and in my truck. I honestly never use the one in my truck. The dock I use at home is the only official accessory. The others were bought dirt cheap off of eBay or Amazon. No matter the connection, someone in Hong Kong will sell it cheaper :P

        I will give that microUSB is easier in the fact that my GPS charger would work on my gf's blackberry or Droid Incredible.

      2. Apple Care > dust

        Use the travel example again. Suppose you're on the road for work or vacation and you forget your power mat? I've done this so many times over the years. It would be cheaper to buy and easier to find a Micro USB charger than a power mat. Or, as in the example you use, borrow someone else's.

        Personally, I think it's another case of the European market being smarter and better than the American market (for mobile phones, anyway). They have lower service prices, greater bandwidth, less carrier control, and standard chargers.

        Screw it. I'm moving to Norway (after I live in Phuket for a few years).

      4. I've been too. Yes, they are very beautiful people there in general. A lot of the guys I drank with…it felt like hanging out with Thor. Still, I generally prefer the looks of Southeast Asian women, but it's good to mix it up!

      5. @Ray

        At the risk of sounding horrible…I prefer asian women mixed with a little European….man the curves. Because of our mutual friend Tokz I have come to realize that Latino women are smoking hot. Sofia Vegara.

        In Norway there wasn't one woman I'd throw out of bed.

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