iPhone 15 Series Could Debut with 40Gbps Thunderbolt USB-C Ports

In a significant move prompted by EU regulations, Apple is bidding farewell to its proprietary Lightning connector and ushering in USB-C ports in its upcoming iPhone 15 series and AirPods Pro. This alteration aligns with European Union rules mandating that all smartphones launched within the region must adopt a USB-C connection type. This alteration, however, could also herald a leap forward in terms of cutting-edge standards and swift data transfer rates.

Recent leaks have surfaced, shedding light on Apple’s potentially revolutionary adaptation. Live images of the USB-C connectors and PCB boards of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro Max have emerged, courtesy of a report by ChargerLab. These images have unveiled several intriguing revelations. All three models of the iPhone 15 series appear to share a common USB-C socket hardware.

Surprisingly, this socket is equipped with a “Retimer chip,” a component frequently found in devices sporting USB4 or Thunderbolt-spec USB-C ports. This specialized chip enhances stability for high-speed data transmissions, ensuring seamless transfers across longer distances. These findings strongly suggest that the iPhone 15 series might be designed to incorporate these advanced standards.

While Thunderbolt and USB4 specifications offer rapid data transfers, Apple’s MFi (Made for iPhone) program could potentially impose limitations. It’s worth noting that the existing Lightning port is based on the USB 2.0 standard, capping transfer speeds at a maximum of 480mbps for the iPhone 14. The shift to Thunderbolt or USB4 could enable the iPhone 15 series to achieve wired transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, placing them on par with top-tier laptops and tablets that boast similar hardware.

However, it’s likely that Apple may exert control over these ports via its MFi program, which only permits certified accessory manufacturers endorsed by Apple to produce compatible products. As a result, standard USB4 or Thunderbolt-supporting cables might not fully capitalize on the high-speed transfer capabilities unless they carry the MFi certification. Nevertheless, users will still retain the convenience of charging their new iPhones with most USB-C cables, offering a cost-effective advantage over the long term.

Anticipation is building for Apple’s impending iPhone 15 series, scheduled to be unveiled on September 13th. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is set to boast a Periscope zoom camera, while the standard iPhone 15 is rumored to feature the innovative Dynamic Island technology. These developments mark Apple’s strategic response to both regulatory mandates and consumer demands for cutting-edge technology.