The iPhone Micro USB Adapter which quietly made its way into the UK Apple store for an additional £8 back on October 14th, is showing up bundled with iPhone 4S purchases in China, according to a detailed report by M.I.C. Gadget.
Apple officially launched the "little dongle" in compliance with a 2009 European Union standard that will see micro-USB charging devices used for all data-enabled mobile phones. The voluntary agreement was signed by 14 major smartphone manufacturers including Apple.
The iPhone Micro USB Adapter allows you to use most third-party micro-USB cables and chargers to both sync or charge any iPhone device.
While every new iPhone handset includes Apple's proprietary dock connector, those seeking Apple's Micro-USB adapter outside the U.S. were required to pay for it until the iPhone 4S launch in China. While the adapter appears to be Apple's chosen method of complying with the EU standard, should the company charge some users for their micro-USB solution and include it free for others?
The report goes on to confirm that China is currently in the process of "pushing a law that would require all phone makers to agree upon micro-USB as a universal standard". Which may explain why Apple is choosing to pro-actively include the adapter inside the box with its Phone 4S.
I should also note that Apple does not currently supply a cable for their micro-USB adapter, nor is the dongle required to charge or dock the iPhone 4S. With that said, I would still expect those new iPhone 4S customers abroad who've paid extra for a Micro USB connector to be a little ticked off to learn that China buyers are being given the same item for free.
Apple's iPhone Micro USB Adapter is not currently for sale in the company's U.S. online store.
[photo at top via PC Pop]
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