iPhone 15's USB-C Port: 4.5W Charging for Accessories, USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Pro Models, and More

Saturday September 16, 2023 8:17 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

In a support document published on Friday, Apple provided some additional details about the USB-C port found on all iPhone 15 models.

iPhone 15 USB C Port Event Still
First, Apple said all iPhone 15 models can charge an Apple Watch, AirPods case, or other small accessories connected to the USB-C port at up to 4.5W. Apple already announced this capability, but it had not provided the wattage information.

Second, the document reveals that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support USB 3.2 Gen 2 for data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. Apple had already revealed that the devices support USB 3, but the exact specification is now confirmed. The USB-C cable included with iPhone 15 Pro models supports USB 2 speeds, so a higher-spec cable is needed for faster speeds.

As we previously reported, the document indicates that all iPhone 15 models support DisplayPort for up to 4K HDR video mirroring to an external display or TV with a supported USB-C to DisplayPort cable, or an adapter. However, unlike select iPad models with Stage Manager, the iPhone lacks an extended display mode.

iPhone 15 Pro models also support recording ProRes video directly to an external storage device, at up to 4K and 60 frames per second.

To connect an iPhone 15 to a vehicle with a USB-A port for wired CarPlay usage, Apple says customers can use a USB-C to USB-A cable.

Additional information is outlined in the support document.

Tag: USB-C

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Apple Responds to iPhone Duo Display Cracking Reports

Monday October 26, 2026 10:20 am PDT by Juli Clover

Shortly after the iPhone Duo launched, a few users reported hinge issues that were causing cracks in the inner display. Apple has now responded to the reports in a statement to MacRumors, saying a small number of units are affected. The response to iPhone Duo from early users has been incredibly positive, and we are seeing exciting things from developers who are rapidly updating their apps...

• 221 comments

Apple Announces New iPad Mini With 8.5-Inch OLED Display, A20 Pro Chip, and More

Monday October 26, 2026 6:05 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple today announced a new iPad mini with a larger 8.5-inch OLED display, a nano-texture display option, a thinner and lighter design, an A20 Pro chip, a new Acoustic Display audio system that eliminates speaker holes, IP67-rated water and dust resistance, a landscape front camera, Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support, and more. Altogether, Apple says this amounts to the iPad...

• 370 comments

Apple Announces New 14-Inch MacBook Pro With M6 Chip

Tuesday October 27, 2026 6:01 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Apple today announced a refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M6 chip, upgraded connectivity specifications, and more. The M6 chip in the MacBook Pro features a 12-core CPU with 2 super cores, 4 performance cores, and 6 efficiency cores, paired with a 12-core GPU. This is up from the M5 chip with a 10-core CPU with 4 super cores and 6 efficiency cores, paired with a 10-core GPU. M6...

• 163 comments

Top Rated Comments

HiRez

41 months ago

So people who buy a $1K+ Pro model and use the cable that came with it will be crippled on speed, possibly without even knowing it? Jesus, Apple, just how cheap are you? That's so awful.

Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)

maerz001

41 months ago

Considering 99% of Pro model users will never plug it in to transfer data, it’s ridiculous to include a higher spec cable. If you need the speed and can afford a $1,000-1,200 phone you can swing $10 for a cable and length that meets your needs.

Apple was talking half of the presentation about environment and zero emissions and yet you have to buy a second cable

Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)

SpotOnT

41 months ago

I can’t believe Apple is not including a USB 3 cable with the Pro phones. There really is no excuse to pinch pennies like that on a premium device.

Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)

dukebound85

41 months ago

Considering 99% of Pro model users will never plug it in to transfer data, it’s ridiculous to include a higher spec cable. If you need the speed and can afford a $1,000-1,200 phone you can swing $10 for a cable and length that meets your needs.

stop making excuses for apple.

this is petty by apple for a 1k-1.7k device that no longer includes a power brick or headphones anymore as well

Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)

EllZ89

41 months ago

There shouldn’t be a cable in the box at all. Most of the people already have chargers and cables.

There shouldn’t be a phone in the box, most people already have phones :rolleyes:

Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)

sw1tcher

41 months ago

Second, the document reveals that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support USB 3.2 Gen 2 for data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. Apple had already revealed that the devices support USB 3, but the exact specification is now confirmed. The USB-C cable included with iPhone 15 Pro models supports USB 2 speeds, so a higher-spec cable is needed for faster speeds.

🤣 Typical Apple. Force iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users to buy a higher spec USB cable to get faster USB transfers speeds.

How is that good for the environment Apple claims they care so much about?

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

iPhone 15's USB-C Port: 4.5W Charging for Accessories, USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Pro Models, and More

Popular Stories

Apple Responds to iPhone Duo Display Cracking Reports

Apple Announces New iPad Mini With 8.5-Inch OLED Display, A20 Pro Chip, and More

Apple Announces New 14-Inch MacBook Pro With M6 Chip

Top Rated Comments

Next Article

Videos

Guides

Upcoming

Other Stories