All rumors point to the iPhone 15 it will be the first with USB-C. If it is fulfilled, it will mean moving away from the Lightning port, although it is still unknown if the change will be global or only in the markets where Apple must adopt the universal charger by law – the European Union, specifically. But those of Cupertino could have some additional tricks up their sleeves, despite being forced to abandon their proprietary connector.
A rumor picked up by 9to5Mac points to that Apple could limit some functions of the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 to the use of “proprietary” cables. That is, developed and certified by those of the apple. It is still unknown which features would be affected, or under what conditions. Although it could be a strategy that aims to keep the ecosystem of Made for iPhone (MFi) accessories active and under control, built around Lightning.
It is speculated that Apple has developed a Lightning-compatible printed circuit that would work alongside the USB-C port of the iPhone 15. Thus, those from Cupertino would be able to restrict the interactions of the smartphone with other devices through a firmware that would detect if it is a proprietary cable or accessory, or not.
Of course, this is a rumor that should be taken with great caution. Not only because it comes from a source taken from Weibo, impossible to verify, but also because it would imply a change of conduct on the part of Apple with respect to the rest of your devices.
After all, let’s not forget that the iPhone is the last big Apple product tied to the Lightning connector. The new iPad and the iPad Air, Mini and Pro have already moved to the USB-C standard without setting limitations of this type; and the same goes for Macs. Why should the story be different with the iPhone 15?
Will Apple limit USB-C features on the iPhone 15?
Today it is difficult to presume what kind of features Apple could limit through the USB-C port of the iPhone 15. The most logical options are data transfer and power recharge speeds, certainly. In fact, months ago Ming-Chi Kuo said that Cupertino would restrict high-speed file transfer to Pro and Pro Max models. But at no time did he discuss issues related to features reserved for proprietary accessories or cables.
In fact, the renowned analyst indicated that the most premium of the iPhone 15 would support USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 specifications, while the standard version and Plus variant would continue to be tied to USB 2.0 speeds, as is currently the case with the Lightning connector.
But without going further into speculative terrain, there is another perspective behind this possible rumor. As well indicated 9to5Mac, it cannot be ruled out that the purpose of the printed circuit that would work alongside the USB-C port is different. Specifically, it mentions the chance of Bring Backward Compatibility to Lightning Accessories that are part of the MFi program, through an adapter.
Let’s not forget that Apple has already implemented an unglamorous solution to adapt the use of the first generation Apple Pencil to the new iPad. Perhaps something similar is being prepared for the iPhone 15, considering that those of Cupertino are selling today all kinds of adapters and cables Lightning-based —ranging from 25 to 120 euros—and they probably don’t want to lose that market.