Apple iPhone 15 USB-C Reportedly Not Using MFi
As the tech world eagerly awaits the unveiling of Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 15 series, there have been speculations about the incorporation of USB-C and charging capabilities. Researcher Majin Bu brings some insightful news to the forefront, shedding light on both positive and nuanced aspects of this transition.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus to Not Use MFI-certified USB-C
New iPhone 15 USB C Cable Info Confirmed
1.6M long
16Pins
Thicker and more resistant
USB 2.0 20V3A
No MFI pic.twitter.com/WV4unodWPg— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) August 23, 2023
Concerns have lingered about how Apple will approach USB-C implementation and its impact on third-party cables and accessories. Majin Bu’s report offers a glimmer of good news: the upcoming iPhone 15 series will not rely on Apple’s MFi chips for verification. This means that third-party cables and accessories will not face restrictions as is the case with the Lightning port. Instead, Apple is expected to utilize standard e-markers for verification.
While the news about USB-C compatibility is encouraging, there are nuances to consider. Bu confirms that the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models will feature USB 2.0 capable ports. As a result, data transfer speeds will be capped at 480Mbps, similar to the current Lightning port. This revelation highlights the continuation of certain limitations.
Charging capabilities are also part of the equation. The regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models will retain the 20W charging cap, maintaining consistency with previous models. However, Apple plans to include high-quality USB-C-to-C cables with these devices. These cables, extending to 1.6 meters (5.3 feet), offer an upgrade from the previous 1-meter Lightning cables. Importantly, they will support Power Delivery 3.0, enabling users to charge not only iPhones but also more power-hungry Apple devices like iPads and MacBooks, along with other Power Delivery-compatible electronics.
Diving into the specifics, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models are anticipated to feature a high-speed port. This could be either USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) or Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps). The division aligns with Apple’s approach in its tablet lineup, where iPad Pros use Thunderbolt 3/USB 4, while other models feature different port standards.
Beyond high transfer speeds, the iPhone 15 Pro duo is expected to bring enhanced charging capabilities to the table. Rumors suggest charging speeds of up to 35W, complemented by larger batteries compared to the previous year’s models. This promises a significant leap in charging efficiency and overall device usage.
Stay tuned for the official unveiling of the iPhone 15 series, as Apple ushers in a new era of connectivity and performance, poised to redefine smartphone possibilities.
Pokdepinion: While USB 2.0 sounds quite disappointing in this day and age, I think the move to not have MFi-certified ones is certainly something many would be very happy with. Personally, I’m quite with it as is since I don’t really use cables anymore.
