Rumor Recap: What to Expect From the iPhone 15's USB-C Port

[MacRumors]

All four iPhone 15 models launching later this year are expected to feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning. This change means the iPhone will support a more universal charging standard, benefit from faster data transfer speeds, and more.

Below, we have recapped rumors about the iPhone switching to USB-C, including potential speed differences, other Apple accessories adopting USB-C, and more.

Speed Differences

While all iPhone 15 models are expected to have a USB-C port, only the Pro models will support at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 for faster data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He expects the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus to remain limited to USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480 Mbps like Lightning.

iPad Pros gained Thunderbolt 3 support in 2021, while the USB-C port on the latest iPad Air is capable of up to 10 Gbps transfer speeds.

Made for iPhone Optimizations

Apple plans to optimize the fast-charging performance of chargers certified under its "Made for iPhone" program on iPhone 15 models, according to Kuo. Uncertified cables will allegedly have limited charging and data transfer speeds. It's worth noting that Apple does not limit uncertified cables for iPads with USB-C ports, so this would be a different approach with the iPhone if this rumor proves to be accurate.

Apple Accessories Moving to USB-C

With the iPhone 15 switching to USB-C, several Apple accessories are expected to follow suit:

• EarPods
• AirPods Charging Cases
• MagSafe Battery Pack
• Magic Mouse
• Magic Trackpad
• Magic Keyboard

The latest Siri Remote for the Apple TV already features a USB-C port.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 series in September. Many more changes are rumored for the Pro models, including a titanium frame, faster A17 Bionic chip, thinner bezels around the display, Wi-Fi 6E support, and more.

Article Link: Rumor Recap: What to Expect From the iPhone 15's USB-C Port

 

[DarthDon]

Pen?

 

[NLLV]

It is getting harder to love apple when they do things like intentionally cripple a universal standard.

From the sounds of it, we will be locked into special USB cables even if we pay more for the Pro series phone to get the best fast charge and data speeds.

It is a little excessive, at least to me.

 

[jz0309]

about time Apple!

 

[dinobear]

Am I reading this right in that Apple will handicap non-apple overpriced cables via software essentially?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Can we get USB-C color-matching cables specific to the iPhone color, please?

For example: How we have USB-C MagSafe 3 Cable in different colors.

 

[vegetassj4]

expects the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus to remain limited to USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480 Mbps like Lightning.

What, do they still have excess inventory of controllers/chips, or (given that USB 3 is almost 10 years old at this point) are they intentionally crippling the speed for other reasons?

 

[jwilson25]

" He expects the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus to remain limited to USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480 Mbps like Lightning."

Sorry, but this is ridiculous.

 

[RalfTheDog]

No more Freddie Mercury cables. This makes me sad. "Thunderbolt and Lightning very very frighting me!" Perhaps they could name their next cables Galileo Figaro.

 

[Choco Taco]

The point of moving to USB-C (aside from the universal standard) is the speed. Making it the same speed as lightning would be incredibly stupid.

 

[wgaller]

Amazing that this is being so highly touted - a feature that probably less than 1% of all iPhone users will care about.

 

[vegetassj4]

Can we get USB-C color-matching cables specific to the iPhone color, please?

For example: How we have USB-C MagSafe 3 Cable in different colors.

View attachment 2203241

The've got more important things to worry about the color schemes for, like the new Polishing Cloth™ Pro:

 

[jonnysods]

Will be so great to slowly phase out the Lightning cables in my home, and cheaper to replace too, as my family seem to have a skill for destroying theirs so often.

 

[PhantomCypher]

USB 2.0 was released back in April 2000.

Apple is going to limit the speeds of a 2023 phone based on a year 2000 standard?!

 

[jjwwqq]

Looking forward to being able to charge (nearly) all my Apple devices with a single cord. Not looking forward to pay an extra fee to Apple just to be able to charge my devices faster.

 

[CTHarrryH]

Will they offer USB-C male to Lightening femaile cables so I can still use my lighting cables in some places like my CarPlay. I have uses for the USB-A end (again carplay) I hope also can get USB-C to USB-A cables.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I wonder will it support USB 3.2 2x2 (20 Gbps Certified) connections? I still want the regular iPhone 15 to support USB 3.2 1x1 (5 Gbps Certified) connections.

 

[RedTheReader]

The fact that this even needs to be a story is depressing. No disrespect to MacRumors, by the way; I’m talking about Apple.

 

[RalfTheDog]

The point of moving to USB-C (aside from the universal standard) is the speed. Making it the same speed as lightning would be incredibly stupid.

The point was to keep them out of the landfills. Most people are more likely to have a few USB C cables sitting around than a few lightning. The problem is, USB C has a wide spectrum of charging levels they can support. Some can charge a massive laptop. Others would be fried by fast charging a small phone.

 

[Bsj80]

Am I reading this right in that Apple will handicap non-apple overpriced cables via software essentially?

No, they will limit non certified cables. Lots of cables are certified for the extra requirements and safety.

 

[Wags]

Does Apple expect a ‘pat on the back’ while keeping this change in their pocket for years.

 

[sw1tcher]

While all iPhone 15 models are expected to have a USB-C port, only the Pro models will support at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 for faster data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He expects the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus to remain limited to USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480 Mbps like Lightning.

Handicap USB-C speeds on non-Pro devices just because they feel like it.

Takes #Courage to do that.

 

[Sirious]

Will they call it a "Thunderbolt" port? Any reason why they wouldn't?
Sorry, haven't been following the names of ports..

 

[segfaultdotorg]

This USB-C change seems unproven and unsafe. We just don't know what the long-term effects of USB-C on iPhones might be! They should have stuck with Lightning.

 

[NLLV]

No, they will limit non certified cables. Lots of cables are certified for the extra requirements and safety.

So they will cripple the PORT to not communicate correctly with non-certified cables. Same thing, different method.