they have the right to use their own plug if they wish
The reason the regulation was introduced in the first place was proprietary connectors and overpriced chargers for them. There actually was a demand for it.
super cheap android models should be able to use old micro USB if they want
Until this reaches legislation in the EU countries, micro USB will likely be as outdated as a 25 pin parallel port
If someone is dumb enough to buy an overpriced Apple phone, then complain about their over priced chargers, then that is their fault for buying garbage. But I can buy a micro USB charger from a gas station for $2.99 and a crappy lightning charger for $7.99. Both of those are not horrible prices for a charger.
And you have a really good chance of blowing up your phone. On top of it all, Apple puts chips in their cables to keep "just anyone" from making charging cables. Forcing everyone to go with the same type of connector will force Apple to consider the value of continuing this practice since you'll a very limited way of knowing if the cable you're holding or buying will work in an iPhone or not. This will cause people to re-evaluate whether or not they want and iPhone.
Besides, it's not like Apple has much of a choice if they want to keep selling there. Honestly, I think they'll come out with a converter and then tell the EU that they're being silly and that they should allow the converter to count.
what is extra dumb is that by the time this passes and reaches an enforcement window, you will likely see various smartphone manufacturers no longer having any plug whatsoever and only using wireless charging and wifi direct connections for computer/phone connections (ya know, in order to make it super waterproof for all there retards that keep dropping their phones in the toilet). that would mean that the EU market would then be forced to have literally gimped devices compared to the rest of the world when it comes to water proofing.
Also what happens when the next iteration of USB/charging/whatever comes around? how long would manufacturers have to keep using USB-C when better options will be available because of this stupid EU regulation?
I have a cheap Samsung A10 that I paid $80 for, new. It has a USB C conenctor, which is so much easier to use than the old connector. I suspect it's more durable also. I think they're going USB C on new phones now anyway. No need to force it.
The vast majority of phones these days are USB C. But you can still get $40 smart phones from Walmart with micro USB.
This is Europe. Their approach to competition ethics and competition legislation is different. Competition laws aren't written by the corporate lobbyists alone, the trade and consumer associations and the labor unions have a say too. Entirely different interests.
Apple has this "closed ecosystem" approach to competition, they establish monopoly control over their entire product life cycle in all its details. To a degree where they de facto own the device and the consumer is simply forced to accept whatever they "offer". This strategy allows Apple to maximize the revenue from their consumers, and it is perfectly legal in the US, but it doesn't work in Europe. Apple creates no added value with that proprietary port, it's a rip-off and it grossly violates the principles of the free market. Armies of independent business owners, repair technicians, software developers, etc. agree with that. Middle class voters.
That is fucking dumb. I am not a fan of Apple, but they have the right to use their own plug if they wish, and super cheap android models should be able to use old micro USB if they want to cut as many corners as possible to save money.
This just dumb.