Apple does not send a charger for a $ 6 billion "environmental protection" business?

Author:Caney Captain Time:2022.09.29

Hello everyone, this is a crow.

On September 8th, Apple's new product launch meeting every quarter was launched on time, and countless people were waiting to see what new tricks Apple came out.

Today, the press conference has passed for a while, and people's expectations of Apple's new products have gradually become voiced. From the iPhone 14 Pro's "pill screen" and fragile back panels, to the expensive "Ultra Apple Watch" Apple Watch Ultra, of course, there is a price of diving in a few days of sale.

The discussion is equally high, and there is a series of outrageous incidents recently derived from Apple.

First of all, Apple launched a "recycling AirPods" activity at the press conference. This time, the recycling is not cash or depreciated. It is just that you are "willing" to "send" your AirPods to Apple.

It is equivalent to a pair of headphones.

In order to explain this nonsense activity, Apple's official response is "it can reduce unnecessary carbon emissions!"

Another divisive news is Apple's long -term measures: refusal to freely give up the charger.

Since the implementation of this standard, Apple has been unanimously vomited by users all over the world, but until this year, the Brazilian government who really stood up on the front of Apple is actually a holiday.

On September 6 this year, the Brazilian government announced that it would prohibit Apple mobile phones selling without charger in Brazil, saying that it was a "deliberately discriminating consumer" approach, and it would also impose a $ 238W fine on Apple.

In this regard, Apple is very unhappy, saying that our approach "Everything we do take into account our impact on people and the earth", and then mentioned that in the future, it will appeal to Brazil's decision.

In general, Apple's paragraph has exceeded the discussion of Apple's new models, and has become the focus of fruit powder and the attention of passers -by.

The following words always appear high -frequency in recent discussions on Apple: with chargers, charging interfaces, and "environmental protection".

In series, Apple's operations in recent years will find that their practices and claims are actually interlocked and can be expressed by themselves.

All the reasons must start with Apple's environmental protection business.

1

It may be a factor limited by the background of the times. Apple in Jobs has always been a company with "environmental protection" as its main gimmick. Even, it may be the opposite.

From the end of 2006 to the beginning of the second year, when the iPhone was released, the environmental protection organization "Green Peace" gave Qiao Gang a gift.

They specially held demonstrations in front of Apple San Francisco's largest stores. Not only did they use green lights to focus on Apple's logo, but also hung large photos. The above is the scene where some electronic products were abandoned in nature.

In order to further provoke apples, "Green Peace" also specifically found someone to Cos Jobs, only wearing green leaves, and meditating the slogan "I don't like poisonous apples".

Rick Hind, a spokesman for the "Green Peace" organization, said: "Apple's innovative thinking and design capabilities are leading in the industry, and we are also urging Apple to play its innovative ability to the product. Green. Our purpose is to remind them not to let the product have any toxic substances. "

In addition, on the environmental protection index of the "Green Peace" survey, Apple is below the average of the year.

For this kind of intentional and disgusting approach, Jobs, who has a bad temper, is naturally angry. He replied that "green peace" is just "attracting the public's attention with Apple's influence."

Jobs, who is arrogant, does not like this taste of being pointed by others. In order not to be pointed out, he issued a statement in May 2007.

The statement stated that Apple is preparing to carry out a series of activities to recycle abandoned electronic products and ensure that the use of large amounts of harmful substances will be reduced in future production.

But in this statement, Jobs is more about environmental organizations and competitive brands.

He believes that brands such as Dell, Gateway, and Hewlett -Packard are still producing old lead -in high -pollution technologies such as old lead monitors, and these things Apple has long been used.

In addition, Apple's production standards have long reached the new European -harmful substance restrictions, and their words are full of complaints and dissatisfaction.

In fact, what makes Jobs unhappy is not to be "not environmentally friendly", but "put Apple under a lot of technology companies."

Environmental protection is not the main tone of Jobs Apple. In the era when the American social environment was not so "correct" at that time, Apple was more in the market by innovation and creativity.

And all this changed after Tim Cook came to power. I don't know if it is related to Cook's own position, or the general trend, "environmental protection" has become Apple's new keyword.

In 2013, Cook, who had just came to power, hired a environmentally friendly giant -Lisa Jackson, who once served as the director of the National Environmental Protection Bureau of the Obama Government, was the declaration of "environmental protection" as Apple.

In the past few years in charge of Apple, Cook has used a lot of means to maintain Apple's "environmental pioneer" positioning.

For example, nearly 96%of Apple's electricity in global facilities comes from solar, water energy and wind energy. In China alone, Apple has built a total of 485 MW of wind and solar power generation projects in different 6 provinces, which has greatly reduced its dependence on traditional power generation. It can be said that it has been spent on "carbon neutrality". Apple has also launched a new recycling plan, promising that 100%of the recyclable materials will be used to build equipment in the future. Today, Mac Book Air will use a large number of recycling aluminum materials as raw materials to reduce the carbon footprint generated in the process of nearly half of the manufacturing process.

In the manufacturing process, Apple has also reduced the use of toxic and harmful substances, such as chlorine organic, toluene, benzene and other high -risk chemical products have been greatly reduced in Apple's factories.

At present, Apple has become a "unscrupulous enterprise" that was originally detailed by environmental protection organizations, and has become an environmental pioneer in the science and technology industry.

Not long ago, Cook also stated in an interview that "Apple's goal in the future is to make mobile phones without the raw materials on the earth", in order to "do not consume any resources on the earth."

The words of the good guy drawn large cakes in several fields such as environmental protection, space, technology and other fields.

Although it is quite abundant in environmental protection, Apple's most incomprehensible "environmental protection" means is "canceling the attached charger".

The reason given by Apple is very grand. When the iPhone was also accompanied by a charger, Apple "accompanied too many chargers", so now the users are not used. We will no longer give away for environmental protection.

According to data from Apple's own statistics, there are about 2 billion Apple chargers on the market, which is enough for Apple users to continue using it.

And each time the delivery of the charger is canceled, Apple will save 200W -tons of carbon emissions for the world, which is equivalent to reducing 50W cars. At the same time, it has saved Apple's cost of $ 6.5 billion. The data is really cost -effective and environmentally friendly Essence

Apple's behavior has a flaw, that is, Apple does not mention it. The charger they once distributed is far from meeting people's needs.

Since the advent of the iPhone, there are mainly the following chargers:

However, everyone is most familiar with the charger that Apple has been randomly attached from the 4th generation to 11th generation. The power is very touching. It is cordially called Wufu Yian (5V1A) by users.

Originally, the charging speed of the iPhone was more touching. It is common for a few hours when it does not support fast charging.

Although Apple has already started supporting the fast charge function, it is only the status of "Five Blessings and One Ann" is extremely firm. It has always been the main charger of the iPhone.

Today, the battery capacity of the iPhone is also larger than one generation. With the power of the charger, the charging time has become longer.

Instant charge in a short period of time has become a matter of distress that countless iPhone owners are distressed. Now Apple not only no longer comes with a charger, but also sells the new charger to be expensive.

Many reasons are mixed together to allow Apple to cancel the charger distribution behavior. It is very unprepared on the user. It is actually Apple's attitude. In simple terms, it means:

1. We have sold a lot of iPhone before;

2. Every generation of iPhone all consumers will buy without brains;

3. Even the backward "five blessings and one -'an" charging heads are willing to use it.

The arrogance of this overflowing screen is asked if you are not convinced.

In fact, consumers have long been unhappy about Apple's attitude. Just in May last year, several legal college students from Beijing Chemical University and East China University jointly co -produced to "do not distribute the charger suspected fraud". Apple was sued the court, asking Apple to deliver the mobile phone charger, and paid 100 yuan in liquidated damages and litigation costs.

Although the chance of winning the lawsuit is very low, this move has received collective support from netizens, which also represents the voice of Chinese consumers.

Today, the Brazilian government ’s“ frontal hard ”has also made countless people who are dissatisfied with Apple's approach. It is very happy. With the addition of official forces, Apple estimates that it will not be unscrupulous.

(Real from netizens)

It can be said that Apple is indeed determined to do it, and it can be regarded as a result, but why must be environmental protection as an excuse for covering such a gadget such as charger?

If you want to understand why Apple is attached to the charger, you must also understand the business scriptures behind the Apple charging port.

Search for the official website of Apple, you can find a variety of charging equipment, including many high -power chargers, charging cables of various conversion ports, and wireless fast charging equipment that has been special in recent years.

However, compared with similar products on the market on the market, the price of Apple's original charger can be said to be grabbing.

On Apple's official website, a standard 20W, the original charger of the C-L conversion port is 149 yuan;

And just search for Apple's C-L charger for only about 30 yuan in a certain east;

The horizontal comparison is compared with the rest, such as Xiaomi's official 33W charger also sold only 69 yuan.

Coupled with the power of dozens of w various three -party accessories, Apple's maximum 33W fast charging is really not enough ...

Data show that Apple's original charger, rotor and other accessories can be as high as 90%of the gross profit margin. Take Apple's original wire as an example. As we all know, although Apple's original wires are charged and data transmission is stable, the quality is really not good.

Whether it is the first apple line or today's Lighting, there are shortcomings that are easy to crack at the connector at the interface connection, and the inner core is easy to expose. There are many tricks that teach you how to strengthen the connection on the Internet for a while.

The most annoying thing is that Apple also uses "more environmentally friendly" "thermoplastic elastic body" material on this expensive connection line, but its strength and durability are far lower than the previous PVC materials.

This operation not only made Apple "more environmentally friendly", but also brought additional huge profits.

At this time, someone said, then I do n’t need to use the original wire of Apple. There are so many manufacturers. I just choose a family?

Speaking of this, I have to admire Apple's "scientific research spirit", and it is clearly capable of developing the energy of more scientific and technological products. All Apple uses the wires and charging ports.

This embodiment is Apple's "MFI" system.

Simply put, MFI is a certification system for Apple accessories. Only by passing Apple MFI certification can it be unimpeded to use Apple devices for data transmission and charging.

As early as 2005, Apple launched the earliest version of "MFI" (at this time I refers to the iPod) terms, which stipulates that if you want to produce MFI certified three -party accessories, you must pay 10%of the authorization fee on Apple. This is also Apple's earliest "charging tax".

However, before 2013, Apple's review of third -party accessories was not very great. I still remember that there were various accessories and equipment around Apple. In addition to various headphones and charging cables, there were also "Apple Skin". In the face of these black technology, most of the apples also open their eyes and close their eyes.

However, in September 2013, after the update of the iOS7 system, Apple claimed that the "improvement of the Apple ecosystem" began to push the MFI system and start with third -party devices.

The specific measure is to bury a identification chip in the wire certification of MFI. If a cottage line that has not been certified is used, it is recognized by the MFI system. According to Apple's official statement, your phone may encounter the following problems:

1. Your iOS device may be damaged;

2. The cable may be easily damaged;

3. The joint ends may fall off, abnormally fever, or may not be able to insert the device correctly;

4. You may not be able to synchronize the device or charge the device.

It may be more like a pop -up window to warn you "not support this accessory", and the charging will become extremely slow.

According to calculations, Apple is used to use the data cable that is not certified by MFI. Even if the high -power fast charger is used, it reflects only the actual power of 5V1A.

In addition to starting in the product, Apple has also begun to vigorously suppress various unauthorized third -party accessories manufacturers, and crazy prosecutions worldwide to prosecute companies that have not authorized third -party Apple accessories.

Under Apple's high -pressure blow, the number of Apple MFI certification three -party manufacturers has been rapidly increased. According to data, in 2013, only 60 MFI certification manufacturers in the world in 2013 have soared to more than 900, of which 700, of which 700, of which 700, of which 700, of which 700, of which 700, from China.

Today's MFI certification price does not have a clear statement. I do n’t know if it is 10%many years ago, but the price of a certified MFI chip is rumored to be about $ 3 to $ 4, plus the authorization fee, you can think that Apple passed one through one How much does the small data cable make?

In 2017, my country's accessories manufacturer's victory also brought Apple to court on the grounds of "antitrust", requiring Apple to cancel MFI certification and give Pin Sheng a "penalty" of 1 yuan.

The reason is also very helpless. It is said that after Apple began to grasp MFI certification, the success rate of successful MFI applications for major manufacturers has greatly reduced. Pin Sheng has been greatly impacted by applying for MFI many times, and the business has been greatly impacted. I hope to get a fair.

However, shortly after Pin Sheng appealed Apple, Apple admitted to court on the grounds of infringement, and won the lawsuit strongly.

Different from the tragic encounters of Pin Sheng, several other domestic manufacturers such as Anke and Green Union have obtained MFI certification, such as Anke, taking Anke as an example. Revenue.

Now searching for the cheapest MFI license data cable on the e -commerce platform is 39 yuan, strong and durable, and the cost -effective 149 yuan data cable can be burst.

There is no market for Apple's original line, but with the MFI certification fee, Apple actually does not make less. Although Apple's MFI's authorization fee is not public, we can still get a glimpse of the financial report.

In 2018, Apple's financial report showed that "service business revenue" brought a revenue of $ 9.98 billion, of which MFI was indispensable for Apple's profits.

Apple's strong "charging tax" policy not only receives valuable certification fees from major accessories merchants, but also cuts a wave of leek with its own users. Today, Apple has to show a wave of arrogance in the name of "environmental protection", selling a wave of politics and correctness. It can be said that people in the world have a long time.

In fact, Apple has a lot of similar approach. In the name of environmental protection, the delivery headset is canceled, and the expensive AirPods market is also tormented.

Is there any way to defeat Apple's "charging hegemony"? The answer is of course there are "innovation" that Apple has gradually ignored in recent years.

At present, there are three mainstream mobile electronic device interfaces on the market: Type-C, Apple's own Lighting, and Micro-USB (commonly known as Android port) that are used by Android devices.

In addition, the earliest Dock interface used by Apple has no longer produced, and the Android interface is only common on some old and low -end appliances, and basically withdrawn from high -end ranks.

The contrast between Type-C and Apple Lighting data cable has always been a topic that consumers are keen.

A standard Lighting data cable supports USB 2.0, and the highest current supports is only 2A. In addition, it has no technical update for many years. Now Lighting is actually relatively backward.

In 2014, Type C developed by the USB-IF (USB Developer Forum), almost represents the most advanced technical level of the interface side.

The transmission rate of the Type C connection can reach up to 100G/s, the loading rate of the charging current is generally 3A, the maximum can be as high as 5A, and the power can be held up to 100W. Compared with it, Lighting is a pure younger brother.

Similar to the MFI protocol that must be satisfied with the Lighting interface, Type C also has a unified use standard. All electrical appliances using Type C must meet the USB-IF protocol.

However, as a non -profit organization, Type C uses the open standard. Although the Type C used by each brand will have their own authentication methods, there will be no monopoly certification costs like Apple MFI.

In general, regardless of function, expansion, or from a cost perspective, Type C can finish the old Apple Lighting.

Since the birth of Type C, Apple has been called on the user group to eliminate Lighting, and the call of Type C has never stopped.

For consumers, this can greatly reduce the types of data cables. One line can bear the charging and data transmission work of most electronic products, saving trouble and money, even if your apple no longer comes with a charger, you will no longer accompany a charger. That's nothing so so -called.

In terms of environmental protection, the low cost and high applicability of Type C will reduce the stock of charging cables and chargers on the market, and reduce a lot of unnecessary manufacturing and production. "Reduce the production of useless chargers and cables."

The Type C interface technology, although it is known as the USB-IF association coordinating invention, during the research and development process, the biggest contribution is Apple and Intel.

As half of its own invention, Apple's full replacement Type C is also reasonable. However, in the face of this N's beauty, what is the attitude of Apple? The answer is: Do not change.

In short, Apple would rather choose the way of "not presented a charger", and also to pull on environmental protection as a cover. hegemony".

However, users are not fools. In June this year, the European Union formulated a bill specially targeted at Apple. The bill required that before 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, and headphones that sold in Europe must be uniformly Type C. If there is any Products that do not meet the standards will be banned.

Apple's response to this regulation is: resolutely protest. EU, you are suppressing the innovative ability of enterprises!

Ha, is Apple's so -called innovation ability, is it not necessary to let go of the new technical excuses. Is it not necessary to hold the old and outdated technology?

But in fact, Apple's attitude towards Type C is also ambiguous. For example, the Type C interface began to use the Type C interface from 2015, and some iPad since 2018.

Although Apple's Type C interface still has various restrictions, there are still some problems with non -Apple official wires.

However, Type C's apples can still easily connect various external display screens, or cameras and other devices, which greatly improves the expansion. It is still a lot more convenient than Lighting.

And the Type C interface is much higher than the ordinary Lighting cable in terms of data transmission. This is why Apple replaces Type C on MacBook and iPad to more efficient devices.

It seems that Apple's attitude towards Type C is a typical suspect.

With the advancement of technology, there are more and more functions that need to be carried by mobile phones. Apple eliminates old Lighting. It seems that it is just a matter of time. In addition, the pressure on the government such as the EU and other governments to apple. IPhone of C portion.

According to reports, Apple has begun to silently develop mobile phones in Type C interfaces internally, but it is not clear whether the P -port Apple will be fully changed or just to compromise the policy of individual regions.

After the press conference, the iPhone14 did not seem to bring a particularly big discussion. Maybe everyone was tired of the "innovation" of Apple on the shell, bangs and cameras every year. Price, quality and other issues.

Another news has aroused everyone's interest. It is rumored that Apple's next -generation mobile phones will not continue the number as naming. Instead, it will use a new naming standard. Combining the recent news, some people speculate that Apple's next -generation mobile phone will be the next generation of mobile phones. The long -awaited "Type C iPhone".

After all, your apple accessories want to sell for certification or monopoly, and your corresponding products are better than others. With the fundamental improvement of Apple's own charging, it is now in the field of bargaining ability in this field. Decrease is inevitable, and there are more and more fierce "resistors".

At the beginning of the time when the smartphone was booming, people were looking forward to the next generation of mobile phones to give us some new tricks.

Today's mobile phone manufacturers all roll with each other on resolution, pixels and increasingly large screens, and increasingly rich functions. When people's choices are becoming more and more abundant, everyone finds that a kind of adaptation to all at hand at hand The accessories of electronic products are so rare.