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Apple unveils dock to micro USB adapter to comply with EU standards

by Chris Rawson Oct 4th 2011 at 4:15PM

European Union regulations require cell phone vendors to include micro USB connectors as a means of standardizing charging options for cell phones, a necessary move to cut down on the plethora of mutually incompatible charging options that have proliferated through the mobile phone industry. Rather than alter the iPhone itself, Apple has instead begun offering a micro USB adapter that connects via the existing 30-pin dock connector. Thus far it appears to be available only in the UK Apple Store, and at £8.00 it seems fairly inexpensive as far as Apple's accessories go. It will be available on October 14.

The adapter will allow you to sync and charge any iPhone (except the original 2007 model) via a micro USB cable connected to your computer, and you can charge your iPhone from a charger with a micro USB connection. This means you no longer have to rely on Apple's somewhat expensive dock cables if the one that comes with your iPhone breaks and you don't have a spare.

EU regulations do allow for Apple to offer the adapter instead of altering the iPhone itself, so Apple is now in full compliance with the standards.

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European Union regulations require cell phone vendors to include micro USB connectors as a means of standardizing charging options for cell...
 

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15 Comments

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db

Come now Apple, how much work would it be to build that into the case?

£8.00 = ~$12.50US. That's ridiculous, for something that probably costs less that $1US to make.

EU, good move in the right direction, but make it an internal requirement very soon, and in the meantime make it required (ie included with any device).

October 08 2011 at 9:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Neil Thompson

Eight quid! - I would want my non-existent iPhone 5 to come bundled with one.

October 05 2011 at 2:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Planet Kingdom

Will this adapter work for iPads and iPods? Would be great to carrynfewer cables.

October 05 2011 at 2:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Timple

The EU should have required it native - not some lame adapter. They should also get on and standardise the rest of the external power supply industry. How many cupboards in the world hold multiple chargers all doing the same thing - but a little different - with slightly different ends for various gizmos that you keep just in case and then you finally discard into landfill? This is one area where regulation is needed because there is no competitive force to make things simple for consumers (in this area) and reduce waste.

October 05 2011 at 6:14 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ShavenYak

I wouldn't mind having one of those myself... One less cord to carry that way.

October 04 2011 at 9:16 PM Report abuse +4 rate up rate down Reply
Michael Jennings

What I am wondering is whether this is going to come as standard with Apple products in the EU going forward. Are they going to come with a standard EU compliant micro-USB charger and one of these, or is this just going to be an option available for people who pay extra?

October 04 2011 at 5:50 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
mtvcribsblow

Hilarious. I was wondering what Apple was going to do with this requirement.

October 04 2011 at 4:53 PM Report abuse -3 rate up rate down Reply
drummerjoe

This already exists in Griffin form:

http://www.buy.com/prod/griffin-gc17117-sync-charge-cord-36-usb-micro-usb-5-v-dc/217197284.html

October 04 2011 at 4:30 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to drummerjoe's comment
darrell

why stop with a charger? this one has an audio out port: http://www.sendstation.com/us/products/pocketdock/lineout-miniusb.html

i use this in my car with my cassette-tape adapter.

October 05 2011 at 7:41 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to darrell's comment
db

Sorry the Griffin one comes w/ a USB Cable, for $17US at buy.com

The sendstation one costs $30US or €30

October 08 2011 at 9:12 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down
db

This one includes a USC cable but costs $17 at buy.com

October 08 2011 at 9:06 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Eric Swinson

Sad that it is only for the EU as I could use one here in the states

October 04 2011 at 4:24 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
Adrian von Gegerfelt

Finally! They should have said this during the Stevenote! I mean Timnote!

October 04 2011 at 4:24 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
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