Universal Cables have landed for the newest iPhone

 

Apple has always been the exception in the realm of charging cables. While many other smartphone manufacturers transitioned from micro USB to USB-C, Apple remained committed to its distinctive Lightning cable. However, even Apple cannot resist the tide of transformation, and it has now confirmed that upcoming iPhones will align with industry standards by adopting USB-C ports, with this change commencing with the release of the iPhone 15.

 

 

 

 

Apple’s impact on charging cables

Since 2012 Apple has been the maverick for charging cables when they announced their proprietary Lightning cable. The introduction of the Lightning cable was a significant milestone in the tech industry, marking a departure from the older 30-pin dock connector that had been a standard for Apple’s iOS devices for nearly a decade. The cable was considerably smaller and more durable than the 30-pin dock connector. Its compact design allowed for sleeker device designs, a reversible design, making it easier to plug into devices. During Apple’s fall event in 2012 company executives talked a lot about the innovations the Lightning cable would bring. Phil Schiller, the company’s marketing chief said, “It’s more durable and much easier to use because now you can plug it in either direction; it doesn’t matter.” Everybody knows you never plug in a USB cable right the first time; with Lightning, you couldn’t get it wrong. 

The cable also supported faster data transfer speeds and offered more advanced features, such as dynamic pin assignment, which allowed for adaptive communication between devices and accessories. It also provided more durability which meant fewer cable replacements for users. This was the first step to an eco-design that not only was better for the environment but was softer on the user’s pockets… at least for a little bit.

While the Lightning cable brought about many improvements, it also solidified Apple’s proprietary ecosystem. This exclusivity meant that users were tied to Apple’s accessories, and third-party manufacturers needed certification to create compatible products – Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFi) program enabled third-party manufacturers to create a wide array of Lightning-compatible accessories, including chargers, docks, headphones, and more. This fostered a robust industry catering to Apple users.

However, the switch to Lightning presented some adaptation challenges for consumers who had invested in 30-pin accessories. Many users needed to purchase adapters or upgrade their accessories, which led to some initial inconveniences. This will also be the case for users who upgrade to the iPhone 15. Of course, just like history has shown us, Apple will have adapters for sale to help ease us into the world of USB-C, but eventually, we will have to give up our beloved Lightning cable if we wish to be part of the revolution.

 

 

 

 

Why Apple is moving to USB-C

One of the primary reasons for the shift is the global push toward standardization. USB-C is an industry-standard connector, embraced by a wide array of tech manufacturers. This move aligns Apple with the rest of the industry, promoting a universal connection approach that benefits users. However, a little push from the EU definitely fast-tracked Apple’s conversion quicker than they may have liked.  New EU rules are forcing all tech developers to fall in line and adopt the USB-C port before the end of 2024. But Apple has stepped up and made the switch away from Lightning official during the iPhone 15 launch event — more than a year before the deadline.

You can read the EU’s press release (via MacRumors) for the full breakdown, but the gist is that the EU wants to cut down on e-waste by instituting a common charging port, aka USB-C. This will help ensure people can continue to use their old chargers long after they switch to a new device. The EU’s regulations make it more convenient for consumers, as they can use a single charger and cable for various devices, regardless of the manufacturer. This reduces the clutter of various chargers and adapters in our lives… which is always a good thing!

 

 

 

 

 

How does the USB-C change the iPhone 15 lineup

You might be asking yourself how will this switch affect how you interact with your iPhone and other devices? Let’s breakdown a few key takeaways:

In both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the USB-C ports offer compatibility with USB 2. While the USB-C port itself represents a universal standard, it’s worth noting that USB 2 technology was introduced way back in 2000, with a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mb/s. While this speed is decent, it pales in comparison to the lightning-fast USB-C ports found in Apple’s premium iPhone models, the Pro and Max.

Furthermore, a noteworthy post-launch revelation is that the USB-C port featured in all iPhone 15 models can now support output to a 4K display at 60Hz. This is a significant advancement compared to the capabilities of Lightning-ported iPhones from the past, showcasing Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of connectivity and display capabilities.

The standout advantage of USB-C support on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is the integration of USB 3 technology, which boasts a remarkable twentyfold increase in data transfer speed compared to USB 2. According to Apple, these devices will facilitate data transfers at speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, making them particularly appealing to professionals who regularly deal with large files.

This upgrade is particularly beneficial for multimedia enthusiasts, as it dramatically accelerates the process of transferring high-quality media content. With the enhanced transfer speed of USB 3, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max can efficiently transmit data, including high-resolution 48-megapixel ProRAW images and 4K 60fps video, to a Mac. This significantly outpaces the transfer speeds of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, ensuring a more seamless and efficient workflow for content creators and professionals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does the new charging speeds look like with USB-C?

Charging speeds present a notable opportunity for a USB-C iPhone to distinguish itself from the current lineup. Apple’s recent phones have consistently capped at 20W for wired charging, which is certainly respectable. In fact, Apple claims you can recharge a depleted iPhone 14 Pro Max to 50% within just 30 minutes using this method.

The challenge with this 20W speed is that rival flagship smartphones often support faster charging than current iPhones. For instance, the Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts 45W charging capabilities, and it’s expected that the upcoming Galaxy S23 Ultra will maintain this feature. The Pixel 7 Pro offers 30W charging, which, while not groundbreaking, still outpaces the maximum charging speed of an iPhone.

Meanwhile, OnePlus has been setting the industry standard for fast-charging phones, with the OnePlus 10 Pro delivering rapid 65W charging speeds in the United States. It’s evident that there’s a performance gap that Apple could bridge, and the adoption of USB-C technology may be the key to achieving it.

Even though the iPhone 15 & iPhone Plus possess a USB 2 technology there is virtually no difference between the more advance models, iPhone 15 Pro & Max, when it comes to charging. 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros and Cons of switching the iPhone to USB-C

The switch to USB-C connectivity also opens up exciting possibilities for expanded accessory support, encompassing external storage devices, versatile hubs and docks, external displays, keyboards, mice, and much more. While many of these accessories are already available for iPads and are arguably more practical on larger screens, the introduction of enhanced connectivity through USB-C to the iPhone grants users an array of choices and greater flexibility in utilizing their smartphones.

Nevertheless, there is a significant drawback to this transition: current Lightning accessories and cables will become essentially obsolete. This means that users will have to either rely on adapters to bridge the gap during the transition or invest in new accessories that align with the USB-C standard. This situation presents challenges not only for consumers but also for environmental sustainability.

However, despite a short period of adjustment as users adapt to the changes, the advantages of USB-C have the potential to far outweigh the inconveniences. The enhanced connectivity and expanded accessory options may offer substantial benefits, ultimately enhancing the user experience and functionality of the iPhone.

 

 

 

 

Buying USB-C cables and what you should look out for

Apple has forced us to purchase new cables on previous occasions, but this time around, you likely possess the necessary tools for charging your new iPhone… which provides a little bit of relief. If you happend to purchase a new iPhone starting in 2020, you know Apple ceased bundling charging bricks, which was a disappointment, but the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro at least include a compact C-to-C cable in the package… thanks Apple.

If you want to hit those optimal charging speeds on your iPhone 15, a 20W USB-C charger is recommended.  And if you’ve acquired a MacBook since 2015 or an iPad Pro since 2018, the accompanying USB-C chargers are well-suited for this purpose, although they may be bulkier than necessary so only good if you’re despreate!

Of course, if you are in a pinch, virtually any USB charger can suffice. If the charger features a USB-A port, you’ll obviously need a USB-A-to-C cable to establish a connection with your phone, along with perhaps a magnifying glass to discern its power output settings. USB-A chargers can generally reach up to about 18W, which is sufficient, if you are just doing some scrolling. 

So you have a few USB-C cables laying around from other devices, but looking to invest in a few good ones to dedicate to your phone, we’ve got you covered! However, before you rush to Amazon and add the first budget-friendly USB-C cable that tops the site’s search results to your cart, it’s essential to understand that USB-C cables are not an item where you want to skimp on quality.

Before you start investing in multiple cables figure out what you are wanting to do with them. If you are just looking for a few cables to leave by the bed, sofa and kitchen table, then finding a cable that is power-only would be perfect. But if you’re looking to upgrade your home office and invest in some top-of-line cables that support high transfer rates, then be sure you read the lables so you don’t stock up your office with the wrong cables. Check out our TEKTURN products for USB-C inspired products.

 

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

The switch to USB-C for the iPhone 15 signifies a step towards a more universal and versatile future. While it may require some adjustment for users with Lightning cables, the benefits in terms of speed, compatibility, and accessory options make the transition a worthwhile endeavor. As USB-C becomes the norm across various tech ecosystems, your investment in USB-C cables and accessories is likely to become even more valuable in the long run.