iPhone's Switch to USB-C Brings Faster Charging But Added Confusion Over Capabilities

USB-C is more useful than Lightning, but brings confusion over speeds and capabilities.
Having separate standards for USB, USB-C ports, and USB PD charging complicates matters.
Many cables skip certification to cut costs, often meaning slower speeds than expected.
Most iPhone users won't care much about slow cables as they transfer via wireless.
There will be griping about the switch, but USB-C is already common on other devices.

cnet.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

Apple's new iPhone is set to require a new charger for the first time in 11 years — and your old Lightning cable won't work

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.

9/7/2023

Why I Want an iPhone 15 (Even Though I Haven't Seen It Yet)

The author, despite not frequently upgrading their personal tech products, is excited about the rumored features of the iPhone 15, including the potential switch to a USB-C port, the inclusion of the Dynamic Island, and the expected processor upgrades.

9/10/2023

Apple Event Preview: iPhone 15 with USB-C, Apple Watch Updates, AirPods Overhaul, VR Vision

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 with a USB-C port and updated wireless charging, as well as the Apple Watch Series 9, at its upcoming event.

9/11/2023

USB-C Cables Bring Speed and Compatibility Confusion

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.

9/11/2023

iPhone 15: Better Camera and Battery Life, But Few Big Changes as Smartphone Upgrades Slow

Apple is set to release the iPhone 15 with incremental improvements including a lighter design, better chip, battery life, camera, and a USB-C charging cable, but the smartphone market is slowing down as people hold on to their devices longer and there is less incentive to upgrade.

9/20/2023

iPhone 15's USB-C allows cross-device charging with Android phones

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.

9/24/2023

iPhone 15 Pro Impresses Android User, But iOS Limitations Remain as Google Promotes Pixel and RCS Features

The author shares their thoughts on their first day with the iPhone 15 Pro, highlighting positive aspects like the inclusion of USB-C and the new Action Button, while also expressing dislike for certain features such as the iPhone's homescreen and iCloud storage limitations.

Topics

Posted 9/9/2023, 12:00:00 PM

iPhone's Switch to USB-C Brings Faster Charging But Added Confusion Over Capabilities

USB-C is more useful than Lightning, but brings confusion over speeds and capabilities.
Having separate standards for USB, USB-C ports, and USB PD charging complicates matters.
Many cables skip certification to cut costs, often meaning slower speeds than expected.
Most iPhone users won't care much about slow cables as they transfer via wireless.
There will be griping about the switch, but USB-C is already common on other devices.

cnet.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

Apple's new iPhone is set to require a new charger for the first time in 11 years — and your old Lightning cable won't work

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.

9/7/2023

Why I Want an iPhone 15 (Even Though I Haven't Seen It Yet)

9/10/2023

Apple Event Preview: iPhone 15 with USB-C, Apple Watch Updates, AirPods Overhaul, VR Vision

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 with a USB-C port and updated wireless charging, as well as the Apple Watch Series 9, at its upcoming event.

9/11/2023

USB-C Cables Bring Speed and Compatibility Confusion

9/11/2023

iPhone 15: Better Camera and Battery Life, But Few Big Changes as Smartphone Upgrades Slow

9/20/2023

iPhone 15's USB-C allows cross-device charging with Android phones

9/24/2023

iPhone 15 Pro Impresses Android User, But iOS Limitations Remain as Google Promotes Pixel and RCS Features