Apple May Introduce Limitations to USB-C Port in Upcoming iPhone 15 Models

As countries around the world pressure Apple to ditch its proprietary Lightning Port and adopt the USB-C port instead, Apple seems to have tricks up its sleeve. While the European Union and the Indian government have introduced rules to make USB-C connectors mandatory for portable devices, including iPhones, as a means to make charging standards universal, Apple is reportedly working on making the USB-C port exclusive to its Apple ecosystem by bringing in limitations similar to its Lightning Port.

Apple May Have its Own USB-C Cables For iPhones

According to a report by MacRumors, Apple is planning to use a custom integrated circuit (IC) for the USB-C port in its upcoming iPhones. The port will first authenticate the components being used for charging the device and, if found incompatible, will likely not charge.

Apple already performs such authentication with its Lightning cables, introduced back in 2012. The first-party and MFi-certified Lightning ports and connectors come with ICs that verify the components making the connection and, if faulty, result in an alert that says, "This accessory is not supported".

That said, it is worth noting that none of Apple's existing portfolio of devices supporting USB-C charging, such as the iPad 10th Gen, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, come with any restrictions. So it's advisable to take this information with a pinch of salt.

High-Speed USB-C Data Transfer Only on Pro Models

However, based on the report, Apple will likely restrict fast charging or high-speed data transfer to its first-party and Made For iPhone-certified cables.

Previously, noted tipster Ming Chi Kuo reported that the iPhone 15 series would come with a USB-C port with enhanced data transfer speeds. However, the high-speed data transfer would only be restricted to the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and the Pro Max, and allegedly, the iPhone 15 Ultra.

Kuo suggested that the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max will come with at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, with data transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps and the regular iPhone 15 may stick to older USB 2.0 connectivity.