The Complications of USB-C in the iPhone 15: Apple’s Circus

Apple recently unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 15 smartphones, and while there were some exciting updates, one particular change has left consumers feeling a bit puzzled. The inclusion of a USB-C port seemed like a step in the right direction, as this widely accepted standard is already used in smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, Apple managed to complicate things once again by offering different USB-C ports on different iPhone 15 models.

During the fall conference on September 12th, Apple confirmed the rumors of a USB-C port in the iPhone 15. But the excitement quickly faded when it was revealed that only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max would have a USB 3 port with a blazing-fast data transfer speed of 10 Gb/s. This means that these models will feature either a USB 3.1 Gen 2 or a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.

On the other hand, the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will come with a USB-C 2.0 port, which offers a maximum data transfer speed of only 480 Mb/s. This deviation from market standards has left many consumers feeling deceived by Apple.

While there are alternative methods for transferring files between devices, wired transfers are still important for many users. The fact that the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max may not even come with cables that support faster data transfer adds to the dissatisfaction. This means that buyers of these flagship models, which can cost nearly €1300 will need to purchase a separate cable to take advantage of the USB-C 3.0 features.

Apple does offer USB-C cables on its website, but they come at a premium price. A two-meter USB-C cable with 240 W costs €37, while a one-meter USB-C cable with 60 W is priced at €27. The newly introduced Thunderbolt 4 standard USB-C cable, which is compatible with the iPhone, is even more expensive, costing around €80 for a one-meter length.

Despite the high cost of Apple’s cables, the introduction of the USB-C standard means that cables from other manufacturers should also be compatible with the iPhone 15. This provides some relief for consumers who are looking for more affordable options.

While the shift to USB-C in the iPhone 15 may have initially seemed like a positive move, the varying USB-C ports and the need for additional expensive cables have left many feeling frustrated. Apple’s decision once again complicates the user experience and deviates from industry standards. Hopefully, in the future, Apple will provide a more consistent and affordable USB-C experience for its customers.