Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 15 series is rumored to make the switch from Lightning to USB-C, according to recent leaks. While USB-C has been the standard for most Android devices for years, Apple has finally embraced the port on its latest iPhone models. However, not all USB-C ports on the iPhone 15 series will be the same, with the Pro models offering much higher data transfer speeds (Thunderbolt 3) than the regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
The latest leak suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will be able to connect to external displays via the USB-C port, adding a new level of functionality to the device. While the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will have USB-C connectors, their data transfer speeds will be restricted to the USB 2.0 speeds available on Lightning iPhones and the iPad 10th-gen tablet, which also has a USB-C connector.
I haven’t heard anything in regards to standard 15’s so looks like it’s gonna be USB 2.0 standard.
Again, pros are Thunderbolt 3.
Apple is heavily invested into video recording this year, rather than stills.
Recording Output features,
Focus on importing to workstations
Etc.
— 941 (@analyst941) April 27, 2023
The Thunderbolt 3 data transfer speeds will be a major benefit to photographers who have long complained about Lightning’s slow transfer speeds for photo and video data. The leaker also added that Apple is heavily invested in video recording this year, rather than stills, so the Thunderbolt 3 speeds should improve data imports to workstations.
The rumored iOS feature is said to somewhat mimic Samsung Dex, which was introduced on flagship smartphones a few years ago, allowing users to turn their smartphone into a desktop Android PC. However, it seems unlikely that Apple will let users turn iOS 17 into a full-fledged computer starting with the iPhone 15 Pro.
For example, a new cinematography feature that will allow live 4K Thunderbolt outputs to monitors while recording.
Essentially, you’ll have the phone with all the camera controls, connected to a monitor displaying live 4K camera footage without any controls; in 16:9.
It’s Niche
— 941 (@analyst941) April 27, 2023
While Apple has some experience with similar functionality on mobile devices, such as the ability to hook up to external displays to extend the workspace on the iPad, it appears that Apple wants to use the iPhone 15 Pro’s USB-C to support connections to a monitor only for a few specific use cases.
If the latest leaks are accurate, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will offer an impressive array of features and capabilities, making it one of the most sought-after smartphones of the year.
