Cheeky Apple circumvents European rule with micro-USB adapter for iPhone 5
Plug it in
By selling a tiny adapter for the upcoming iPhone 5, Apple has once again circumvented a piece of European legislation that states all phones must have a micro-USB socket.
Back in 2009, ten mobile phone manufacturers, including Apple, agreed in close co-operation with the European Commission to adopt a standardised phone charger in an effort to cut down on "needless electronic waste".
It was decided that all mobile phones sold in Europe must be able to charge over micro-USB. This means you can use the same charging cable for multiple gadgets, and you don't need to bin your power adapter every time you switch blowers.
Not one to conform without a fight, Apple overcame this tricky regulatory hurdle on the iPhone 4 and 4S with a tiny optional adapter.
With the iPhone 5 and its new, smaller, Lightning-branded dock connector, Apple has again avoided falling foul of this legislation by selling a micro-USB adapter in certain European countries. It's in the Apple Store for £15, and it also works with the new iPod touch and iPod nano.
