iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Limited to USB 2

[MacRumors]

The new iPhone Air is limited to USB 2 transfer speeds and it does not support faster USB 3 transfer speeds like the iPhone 17 Pro models. Apple also didn't update the USB port that it's using for the iPhone 17, so USB 3 continues to be a Pro-only feature.

With USB 2 support, the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 support transfer speeds of up to 480Mb/s. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max support transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s, like the iPhone 16 Pro models.

480Mb/s is the same transfer speed that Lightning offered, so the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models are still limited to the speeds of the now-outdated Lightning technology.

Apple did not make any changes to USB-C transfer speeds this year, and it is a bit of a disappointment to see the $999 iPhone Air limited to USB 2.

Article Link: iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Limited to USB 2

 

[OliOliOliOli]

You remember when the Keynote was fun?

 

[carestudio]

no Thunderbolt?

 

[vertsix]

Technology from April 2000 by the way.

 

[Paddle1]

When doing a backup with my 16 Pro it seems the USB 3 speed doesn't even make a difference. Seems you only benefit if you're transferring large or many files or using certain accessories.

 

[johannnn]

Who transfers files to the Mac? Only YouTubers I guess, that buys the Pro phone anyway

 

[trip1ex]

can't say I have done a wire transfer from my iphone in eons unless you count the money sent to my kid.

 

[tylerthomas28]

Unacceptable for a device of that price in 2025

 

[Astuces iOS]

The only thing I wanna say is lol

 

[t0rqx]

It needs A20 duh!

 

[abcmax]

If we got ProMotion in base 17, we’ll get USB 3 as well next year or two.

 

[contacos]

No difference to me. Don't recall the last time I even connected my phone to my Mac. Everything is in the cloud and almost instantly available when needed.

 

[Kottu]

When doing a backup with my 16 Pro it seems the USB 3 speed doesn't even make a difference. Seems you only benefit if you're transferring large or many files or using certain accessories.

A regular daily backup may not show the difference but, when you do it for the first time, it does show huge difference. But you also need a compatible cable as well.

 

[ghostface147]

Who transfers files to the Mac? Only YouTubers I guess, that buys the Pro phone anyway

I do. Photos. I manage all photos on my Mac.

 

[imamacperson]

Apple is taking three steps forward but 10 STEPS BACKWARDS!
Terrible keynote this year.

 

[thiscatisfat]

And they had the balls to quote Steve Jobs on how design is about how something works. That’s Apple today everyone.

Useless Air, ugly Pro, and standard model with same same design and the 14 Pro display from three years ago.

Apple lost it. It’s so sad to see such a brand fall with such confidence. I miss the good old days of Apple.

 

[MacMediaNet]

USB 2 in 2025? Such a shame for that price...

 

[ghostface147]

That sucks.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I don't think it is an issue for 95%+ of the iPhone user population. It is only a big deal to the usual complainers on MR and the YT creators who fret over a few seconds extra.

 

[Mackan]

Sounds like Apple.

 

[Kottu]

If Apple had gone fully wireless with the iPhone Air, it would have been a bold move. But choosing to stick with a technology from the year 2000 is an even braver decision.

 

[Scipster]

Can’t say I’m surprised, but the limitation does seem kind of artificial.

I’ve used thunderbolt to transfer 4K 60 FPS video to my Mac and Final Cut Pro NAS plenty of times.

I can’t imagine transferring 4K 120 FPS video without it 😱

 

[uller6]

This phone looks awesome - it is exactly what I've been asking for!! I'm going to preorder the second they're available.

 

[Kottu]

I don't think it is an issue for 95%+ of the iPhone user population. It is only a big deal to the usual complainers on MR and the YT creators who fret over a few seconds extra.

True, but most people prefer owning a device that’s far more powerful than they’ll ever actually need.

 

[ItchyRat2160]

Utterly inexcusable at this point.