iPhone 14 Pro's Lightning Connector Still Limited to USB 2.0 Speeds Despite Large 48MP ProRAW Photos

[bmustaf]

It's not too surprising they're not bothering to update Lightning, knowing that it's going away soon (hopefully).

Funny thing is this would not require an update, as they have a production-ready, proven design to at least hit USB 3.0 speeds. They chose not to do so for good reasons, I am sure (e.g. I'd rather them spend that RD&E time, expense, and likely PCB space for something else), but at least then give us WiFi 6E or something that can move data faster. But, again, that's likely supply related b/c I don't know of a supplier that has those modules in the volume they'd need them and even if they just did it on the Pros to deal with the supply constraints, the 6E modules are not the same pinout which would mean a lot more PCB variation for the main logic board...

 

[DanteHicks79]

Why would anybody use a cable when AirDrop is stupidly fast, like, way faster?

 

[Random_Matt]

Next year then, perhaps you can all thank the EU for the nudge.

 

[JPack]

Without Wi-Fi 6E or faster USB, this is a legit problem.

 

[thevelvetdevil]

Remind me again how being forced to implement USB-C is going to inhibit innovation?

 

[Random_Matt]

Why would anybody use a cable when AirDrop is stupidly fast, like, way faster?

People don't know maybe?

 

[teeoh717]

"Just use AirDrop"
*AirDrop almost never works as advertised
😑 It's long past time for USB-C, 48 megapixel RAWs or otherwise.

 

[Heelpir8]

Also… simply changing to connector to USB-C won’t ensure faster data speeds, there are some USB-C devices and cables that still limit to 2.0 speeds.

But at least we can be sure that a USB-C equipped iPhone wouldn't itself be limited to outputting at USB 2.0 speeds, right?

 

[bmustaf]

I am honestly surprised that they have remained so stubborn about moving on from Lightning. I find it disappointing that the iPhone did not move during the revision when the iPad moved to USB C.

The MFi program is incredibly profitable but, even more so, helps them exert more control over the hardware ecosystem without resorting to software limitations, which would no doubt put the crosshairs of regulators on them even more closely (and rightfully so IMO), which the EU, Brazil, etc (who are harder to buy out than American Senators & Reps & Cabinet-level officials, who are basically for-sale for a few political contributions to their assorted PACs and/or promises of posh gigs post-public office, now, EU and Brazilian politicians aren't at all immune from that, but you gotta try at least a bit harder and it's actually illegal...in the US bribery is fully legalized, we just don't call it that...we call it "free speech", hahahaha, thanks SCOTUS for that Citizens United junk...).

Regardless, hopefully the days are ending for Apple's walled garden, and much like MS rose out of its anti trust actions with even BETTER products and a renewed focus on innovation over profit through market control, I think Apple's best days are ahead (perhaps not profit margin wise, but in terms of healthy competition) once we start to see connector standardization and a bit of openness on payments and consistently on App Store access with regards to competition against Apple's native/bundled apps and services.

 

[mrat93]

Also… simply changing to connector to USB-C won’t ensure faster data speeds, there are some USB-C devices and cables that still limit to 2.0 speeds.

“You want USB-C? Here’s your USB-C with 18W charging and USB 2.0 speeds!”

Holy crap, now I’m worried that Apple will do just that:

2023: iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C 18W and 480mbps.

2024: iPhone 16 Pro with USB-C 3.0 speeds and 25W — 0 to 50% in 15 mins! iPhone 16 gets last years port.

2025: iPhone 17 Pro with Thunderbolt and USB 4 with 60W charging. 0 to 100% in under 30 mins.

 

[magbarn]

From what I understand the way they enabled 3.0 speeds on the iPad Pro was using a hack of sorts, using both sides of the Lightning connector at once. Not sure if was fully reliable or wouldn’t work as a regular long time solution, but that adds some context as to why it was never available on iPhones

Works great on my iPP 11 for the last 3 years without a hitch, transfers files fast from my CF reader.

 

[Vyse2020]

Apple is milking this for all its worth. Either they are working on something better than USB C, planning to go completely wireless or they just don’t care anymore. Oh, on second thought, purchase more iCloud storage.

The MBA’s have spoken I guess.

They aren’t working on “something better” even Thunderbolt(which Apple is an active contributor to) now uses USB-C as its connecter. They could get faster speeds with lightning if they used better controllers but they chose not to likely because they view the connector port mostly for charging with data being moved over WIFI/airdrop/etc

 

[bmustaf]

But at least we can be sure that a USB-C equipped iPhone wouldn't itself be limited to outputting at USB 2.0 speeds, right?

Don't be so sure. You could easily limit a USB-C port to USB 2 speeds. The USB-IF may not be happy about it, but its very easily possible to run USB 2.0 over the new USB-C PHY.

 

[SSDGUY]

I'm pretty happy with Airdrop speeds. I'd probably still use it even with a USB-C option. Set the phone down, grab a coffee, prep other files … no need to watch the water boil.

 

[Greenmeenie]

The iPad Pro has had usb-c for what? Like 5 years now? Come on Apple! Start treating the iPhone Pro like a PRO device. It may not be for everyone, but more & more photographers are using their iPhone Pro for professional work. At this point with the iPhone Pro producing huge 48 mega pixel images, it‘s embarrassing Apple is still clinging to the lightning connector on the iPhone Pros. Leave that for the regular iPhones & finally give the iPhone Pro usb-c! It’s time.

 

[klasma]

Why would anybody use a cable when AirDrop is stupidly fast, like, way faster?

What transfer speeds do you get? I googled around and only found people complaining (as recent as last year) that they only get around 30 MBps, which is roughly USB 2 speed.

Also, transfers seem to tend to drop for large (> 10 GB) files.

 

[magbarn]

AirDrop should be using peer to peer WiFi, not your router at all. Make sure the devices are close together and that you have WiFi turned on for both (even if one of them is on a wired network); it doesn't have to be joined to your access point.

Maybe because we live in a wifi congested area. Even 5.8 is saturated. Love the 6E speeds on my gaming laptop. Of course Apple doesn't support the extra band.

 

[dstow]

It's all very well saying use Airdrop, but despite it being blasphemy some people use a PC with their iPhone, so your left with USB 2 Lightning or not much faster ftp Wi-Fi transfer - so yeah, sucks

 

[vertsix]

Just, awful.

I do physical backups to iTunes and this is a big downside.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

This is likely the last model with lightning. Next iPhone extremely likely to have USB-C. Now, will they add Dex-like features to the iPhone? Can I connect it via USB-C to Studio Display and get some work done? That’s what I’m hoping for. But I don’t expect it to happen.

 

[SAIRUS]

But how do we get them to pay for more iCloud space?

 

[klasma]

The iPad Pro has had usb-c for what? Like 5 years now?

Since 2015, almost seven years ago: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...-compatible-lightning-port-into-the-ipad-pro/

 

[JGIGS]

It's not too surprising they're not bothering to update Lightning, knowing that it's going away soon (hopefully).

Confused by this statement. Wouldn't have making the change with the iphone 14 made the most sense?

Releasing a 48MP camera that make provides much improved and detailed raw photos, but also vastly increasing the photo storage much larger vs. the previous iPhone 13?

It's also a long over due change just based on standardization.

 

[citysnaps]

AirDrop is super fast and easy. Why in the world would anybody move image files via wired connection?

I guess insisting on using a wired connection for moving photos provides a whine-worthy opportunity to be aggrieved.

 

[techfreak23]

Airdrop is a seriously great protocol, and if people (like myself) want a portless iPhone they better get used to it!


Airdrop uses a Wi-Fi Direct connection between your two devices, and should be much faster than usb 2.0 speeds. It is for me, on an iPhone 13 Pro.

It might work for you, but I am constantly moving around large files between my phone ipad and computer. It's absolutely ridiculous that I am forced to use AirDrop or some cloud service to move my larger files around. It usually works fine for smaller files, but AirDrop usually fails when sending the filesizes I have, which is incredibly frustrating. The Files app is almost useless for that reason. It blows my mind that you can't transfer to the Files app over a wired connection like you can with Word, VLC, Mega, etc.. Unless wireless transfers become as reliable or faster than a wired connection, an all wireless device is stupid.