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

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.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Tag: USB-C
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

HiRez Avatar
18 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 Avatar
18 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 Avatar
18 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 Avatar
18 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 Avatar
18 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 Avatar
18 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)