Apple switched long after the Regulation was written by the Commission and handed to the European council. The fact that legislative process takes a long time (and that the EU always leave a long window to companies to comply) doesn't change the role of the EU here.
Apple was told that they wouldn't get the exemption they have had with micro-USB plugs this time, and they acted accordingly, diligently enough so that the regulation wouldn't disrupt their business.
Apple was told that they wouldn't get the exemption they have had with micro-USB plugs this time, and they acted accordingly, diligently enough so that the regulation wouldn't disrupt their business.