iPhone 15 Rumors: USB-C Cable Included, Limited to USB 2.0 Speeds in Retail Box

It is anticipated that Apple will unveil the iPhone 15 series in September. Early reports have already provided some insights into the upcoming iPhone models. The forthcoming iPhone 15 lineup is expected to incorporate USB-C ports instead of the Lightning ports used previously. USB-C boasts several advantages over Apple’s proprietary connector, including broader compatibility, rapid charging capabilities, and swifter data transfer.

The Upcoming iPhone 15

A prior source suggested the possibility of certain iPhone 15 models supporting Thunderbolt for enhanced data transfer speeds. In a fresh rumor, it is now being claimed that the USB-C cable that could come with the iPhone 15 might only support USB 2.0 speeds. Nonetheless, Apple’s exact intentions regarding the integration of USB-C in the iPhone 15 lineup remain uncertain.

The possibility of iPhone 15’s USB-C ports offering constrained speed has emerged. In the previous month, an informant shared images of the USB-C connectors designed for the new iPhones. Experts also pointed out that these components will feature a Retimer chip, akin to those found in Thunderbolt devices, facilitating transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps.

Recently leaked images of allegedly Apple-manufactured braided USB-C cables for iPhones have surfaced online. These cables are reported to be 1.5 meters long and may be available in various colors such as blue, pink, and yellow. According to a post by researcher Majin Bu on X (spotted by 9to5Mac), these USB-C cables are expected to be lengthier and more substantial. However, it’s noted that despite featuring a USB-C connector, these leaked cables will still be restricted to USB 2.0 speeds.

Consequently, these cables will be limited to the same data transmission speeds as the Lightning connector. USB 2.0 cables can only transmit data at a maximum rate of 480 Mbps. As a result, the new iPhones might not be able to achieve faster data transfers despite having an updated charging connector.

The report also highlights the earlier discovery of a Thunderbolt chip within the iPhone 15’s USB-C connector. This could imply that Apple might confine Thunderbolt functionality to the pricier iPhone 15 Pro models. In comparison, while the iPad Pro supports Thunderbolt, the iPad Air is constrained to USB-C 3.1, and the iPad 10 still relies on USB 2.0 despite sporting a USB-C connector. The report further speculates that Apple could introduce Thunderbolt support to all new iPhone 15 models but might sell Thunderbolt cables separately, noting that these cables tend to be more expensive than standard USB-C cables.