Apple did sign on to the EU's "Common external power supply" standardisation process. They didn't however implement it.
In fact, Apple signed on in 2008 or 2009 to help develop the standard, which was completed + published in late 2010. Then in 2013, and again in 2014, they signed a agreement to extend to standard through to the end of 2014.
But... in 2011 or 2012 they introduced the lightning connector? And meanwhile, the the European Commission confirmed that all the agreements signatories, including Apple, are in compliance. There are some vague references to adaptors being available, and thus allowing them to be compliant with the (voluntary..) standard..
I think lightning will be replaced by USB-C - Some of Apples own products are moving to USB-C. But I find the history of the whole thing interesting. Had Apple taken a difference approach, one of cross-company standardisation, maybe lightning would have been delayed a little, but it could have also been THE standard. Just like USB-C is becoming today.
It's all a little reminiscent of Firewire, and Firewire's slow + painful, and ultimately - costly for consumers - demise.
In fact, Apple signed on in 2008 or 2009 to help develop the standard, which was completed + published in late 2010. Then in 2013, and again in 2014, they signed a agreement to extend to standard through to the end of 2014.
But... in 2011 or 2012 they introduced the lightning connector? And meanwhile, the the European Commission confirmed that all the agreements signatories, including Apple, are in compliance. There are some vague references to adaptors being available, and thus allowing them to be compliant with the (voluntary..) standard..
I think lightning will be replaced by USB-C - Some of Apples own products are moving to USB-C. But I find the history of the whole thing interesting. Had Apple taken a difference approach, one of cross-company standardisation, maybe lightning would have been delayed a little, but it could have also been THE standard. Just like USB-C is becoming today.
It's all a little reminiscent of Firewire, and Firewire's slow + painful, and ultimately - costly for consumers - demise.