The iPhone 15 will feature a USB-C charging port, replacing the Lightning cord, in response to pressure from the EU, making borrowing chargers from older iPhone models more difficult.
The upcoming iPhone 15 series is rumored to feature a switch from Lightning to USB-C ports, a design with skinnier bezels and a Dynamic Island cutout, easier repairability, upgraded ultra wideband for integration with Apple's AR headset, 15-watt wireless charging, a periscope-style telephoto lens, solid-state buttons for the Pro models, increased RAM for the Pro models, and potential price increases, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max possibly receiving a $100 to $200 price hike.
The iPhone 15's USB-C port and charging cable will likely be limited to a slow data transfer speed of 480 megabytes per second, highlighting the confusion and lack of certification in the USB-C ecosystem.
The iPhone 15 series does not bring significant improvements in battery life or charging speed, although it does introduce a USB-C port instead of the Lightning connector, which is a major convenience.
Apple has released new charge cables, including a 60W USB-C Charge Cable and a 240W USB-C Charge Cable, specifically designed for charging iPhone 15 models, iPads, and Macs.
The Chinese regulatory database reveals that the iPhone 15 has a 3,349mAh battery, while the iPhone 15 Pro has a 3,274mAh battery, and Apple's official battery life estimates for the iPhone 15 models are the same as the iPhone 14 models.
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max offer consistent performance, improved camera features, and compliance with the EU charging mandate, making it a worthwhile upgrade for Android users or those with older iPhone models.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models have a new battery health setting that limits charging to 80% at all times, separate from the Optimized Battery Charging feature, in order to improve battery lifespan.
Android smartphones have had the ability to charge other devices using a USB-C cable, and now with the iPhone 15 series adopting USB-C, Android phones and iPhones can finally share power with one another.
Anker is offering discounts on USB-C accessories for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro on Amazon, including portable batteries, a MagSafe-compatible charger stand, and USB-C wall chargers.
The iPhone 15 series supports USB-C to Ethernet adapters, providing faster download speeds through wired internet connections.
The introduction of USB-C ports in the new iPhone 15 models brings convenience, but also highlights the confusion and limitations surrounding the technology, with slower data transfer speeds and the lack of certification for devices and cables being major issues.
The iPhone 15 Pro models unlock USB 3 speeds with USB C, and any USB 3 cable, including the $15 one from Amazon, performs the same as the $70 Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable.
The iPhone 15 is praised for its impressive camera, sleek design, and the transition to a USB-C charger, making it one of the best smartphones available and an appealing choice for Android users wanting to switch to iOS.
Apple has replaced the Lightning port on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus with USB-C, allowing for easier connectivity with accessories and peripherals, and the Pro models support USB-3 speeds for faster data transfer.
