There are three facts at play here.

1) The EU was in the process of deciding whether on not to regulate.

2) Every time Apple switches connectors they catch flack from people who claim they're only doing it to make sure everyone buys new cables.

3) Apple's supply chain is long, wide, and deep. When you're making millions of devices and plans are in place years out, you can't pivot on a dime.

So from my perspective, it would have been foolish in the extreme to make a change prior to the EU ruling, What if, in addition to mandating USB-C charging, they also mandated a specific protocol as minimum?

Especially when you consider just how expensive that mistake could be in a device that tends to stay on the shelf for 3-4 years. Or when you consider the number of cable manufacturers, accessory manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, and so one who are going to be impacted when Apple does make the switch.

As is, Apple can kneecap the #2 crowd by simply saying, "The EU made us do it. Sorry."