Just when you thought you were done buying dedicated cables, iPhone users may have to buy Apple-approved USB-C accessories after all. Apple has confirmed that it will be moving from its trademark Lightning port to the universal USB-C standard and while many expect it to begin with the iPhone 15, it seems that you won't get the best experience unless you do things Apple's way.

Leaker ShrimpApplePro claims that Apple supplier Foxconn already produces Earpods and USB-C cables to MFI (Made for iPhone) certified specifications. These Apple-certified products have had a small circuit that grants them MFI status since 2012, allowing them to reach their full potential in Apple devices, while non-certified third-party products are often unrecognized or incompatible with the iPhone. This is consistent with rumors spread on Weibo at the beginning of February.

In reality, iPhone 15 owners may have to purchase Apple's own accessories or forgo features such as fast charging and may have to put up with slower data transfer rates. the EU's that Apple must adopt USB-C by the end of 2024. Even if there is a ruling, Apple will likely once again have its own accessory wall garden.

If this rumor proves true, the EU might have something to say about it. Interestingly, this MFI certification does not exist for iPads with USB-C, so maybe there is hope.

While this move will bring Apple a lot of business, it is bound to make users uncomfortable and will not only force them to spend extra money, but will also likely damage the planet as many new cables will be made just for the new iPhone 15 series.

But this is nothing new, Apple has long gone its own way with its connectors, but the likes of the old 30-pin connectors offer improved performance to rivals. Apple has done a similar trick by eliminating the headphone jack since the iPhone 7, boosting sales of its own wireless AirPods.

Apple would need to make a very strong argument as to why MFi USB-C cables and accessories are necessary, including data transfer speeds, charging speeds, and overall reliability over standard USB-C accessories.

We also heard rumors that Apple might limit the USB-C transfer speed of the iPhone 15 series compared to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, rumors that we hope are not true.

More details from Tom's Guide