We’ve known for some time that Apple will switch to USB-C in future iPhones, but we don’t know for sure if this change will happen in time for the iPhone 15. Now, however, a reputable source has said that it will, and that this change will also lead to higher data transfer speeds – at least for some models.
According Ming Chi Kuo (opens in a new tab) – an analyst with a good track record for Apple information – the entire iPhone 15 line will have a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. However, Kuo says only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will take advantage of the extra speed potential of USB-C.
The two phones will reportedly support USB-C 3.2 data transfer speeds that can go up to 20Gbps, or Thunderbolt 3 speeds that can go up to 40Gbps.
However, the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Max will apparently be stuck at USB 2.0 speeds of just 480Mbps, the same as Lightning. So if Kuo is right, one of the main advantages of switching to USB-C will be reserved for the more expensive Pro models.
As always with leaks, we’d take this with a grain of salt, but speed aside, a move to USB-C seems likely. The EU has committed Apple to the changes by 2024, and the company itself has confirmed that it intends to comply with them. So it’s only a matter of time, but there seems to be no point in delaying Apple, and Kuo is a credible source.
Different data transfer speeds are something we’re not sure about, but it would make sense as a different way to differentiate the top-of-the-line iPhones from the low-end models, and Apple has taken a similar approach with its various iPad lines.
Analysis: Pro-level speeds for Pro devices
Increasing data transfer speeds from 480 Mbps to 20 Gbps or 40 Gbps may sound like overkill, and for many people it will be. But these much higher speeds would be extremely useful for some users in special cases.
One key example is 4K video. Current iPhones are capable of recording in 4K, but the file sizes that 4K footage creates can mean that it takes a very long time to transfer footage from your phone to your computer or other device.
If you’re a mobile videographer who shoots a lot of footage, the problem becomes even bigger. Of course, not everyone will do this, but there are many other types of large files you might want to transfer, and whatever you’re transferring, this extra speed will allow you to do it much faster.
However, for more typical users, slower USB 2.0 speeds should still be enough, so this update won’t necessarily be a reason to buy one of the best iPhones.