Source Claims Apple to Limit iPhone 15 USB-C Port to USB 2.0 Speeds

Apple is widely expected to replace the iPhone’s traditional Lightning port and charging cable combo on its iPhone 15 lineup with a USB-C port and cable. However, there have been several reports that the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models will have their USB-C connections limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds. Now another leaker has chimed in.

Leaker Majun Bu, who previously posted information about Apple’s expected new USB-C cables, says the cables that will be included in the box with iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus devices are limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, which top out at a maximum rate of 480 Mbps, which is the same rate as the current Lightning port and cable.

On the premium end of things, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models are expected to boast higher USB-C transfer speeds, hitting speeds at least as fast as USB 4 or Thunderbolt 3. The faster speeds mean the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will have the ability to transfer video and other types of files much faster than the lower-end iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus handsets.

We’ve seen several reports about the iPhone 15 and its ports and cables in the last week or so. Earlier this week, a report said Apple will break away from its traditional “you can have any color charging cable you want, as long as it’s white” policy. The Cupertino firm is said to be planning to offer iPhone charging cables in at least four new colors alongside the traditional white option.

Leaker Kosutami recently tweeted a photo of five iPhone charging/sync cables in different colors that are said to compare to the new color finishes for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. The cables in the photo are in black, yellow, purple, and orange in addition to the standard white. The leaker warned that the “orange” cable may actually end up being more of a coral or pinkish shade. All of the cables sport glossy white plastic on each end, save for the black cable, which has black ends.

Kosutami’s tweets did not provide any information as to whether the color-matched cables will also be included in the box with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models.

While iPhone boxes have traditionally included white, rubber-jacketed cables in the box. Apple has gradually been moving to pack in braided charge/sync cables with its devices, so it isn’t out of the question to believe that these improved cables will be included with the upcoming iPhone 15 handsets.

In March, Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said iPhone 15 users will see optimized charging of their devices via the USB-C port and cable, but only if they’re using official Apple-certified USB-C cables. This means if you’re using an Apple-certified charger, you may see slower charging speeds with a third-party non-certified cable.

As usual, all of this information should be considered rumors and conjecture and should be taken with a grain of your favorite salt-free seasoning. We won’t know anything for sure until Apple unveils the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineups in September. Most observers expect Apple’s iPhone media event will take place on September 12.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]