iPhone 15 Pro Series With USB Type-C to Offer Improved Transfer Speed: Kuo

Apple has confirmed that it will comply with the European Union law and change the iPhone to USB Type-C. It is believed that the new iPhone 15 model expected to arrive in 2023 could be the first to include this change. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the iPhone 15 series will ditch the Lightning port in favor of USB Type-C, which can significantly improve data transfer speeds. However, only iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max/ iPhone 15 Ultra can get high-speed USB Type-C cable connection.

Kuo suggested in a series of tweets that the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will include USB 2.0 technology. These rumored Apple phones are expected to maintain the 480Mbps transfer speed offered by the current Lightning ports. Only the Pro variant is expected to boast improved data transfer speeds over the wire.

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2H23 the new version of the high-speed transmission line of the iPhone can be significantly improved, the development of IC design for high-speed communication, Apple’s existing network business (如: 譜瑞、祥碩、創惟、Renesas etc.) can be the first beneficiary.

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) November 17, 2022

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to support “at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3” technology. USB 3.2 technology offers transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps, while Thunderbolt 3 can reach 40Gbps. Kuo believes it may increase demand for high-speed transmission chips. Notably, most Android phones currently offer support for USB 2.0 technology only.

The EU has reportedly forced Apple’s hand to switch to USB Type-C technology. The Cupertino company is expected to complete the iPhone switch next year and the law will go into effect in 2024. It has already moved its Mac systems, iPad models, and other accessories to USB Type-C.

Kuo also claims that the iPhone 15 Pro models will feature solid-state buttons, instead of physical volume and power buttons, as per a recent report. Apple is expected to equip these models with Taptic Engines on the inner left and right sides to provide haptic feedback that mimics the physical clicking of buttons. He also believes that the iPhone 15 program will start in the second half of next year.