OpenAII am a big fan of USB-C, the versatile port that I first encountered on my 2016 MacBook Pro and that has now become ubiquitous in all my devices.
I had hoped for a USB-C iPhone as early as 2018 when Apple introduced the technology to the iPad Pro. By 2021, USB-C had made its way to low-end iPads. While I don’t believe regulation is the best approach to drive product development, I am not disappointed that the European Union has compelled Apple to adopt USB-C. Charging all my devices with USB-C works well for me.
I assumed that all iPhone 15 models would come with USB-C ports. However, Apple didn’t openly share the downside at its recent iPhone launch event: millions of people who have transitioned to USB-C will also face certain challenges.
The convenience and versatility of USB-C have been overshadowed by confusion surrounding the capabilities of devices and cables connected to USB-C ports. It’s not always clear whether a device or cable supports high-speed data transfer, high-speed power delivery, both, or none at all.
As expected, the iPhone 15 will be equipped with a USB-C port and a charging cable that exemplifies this issue. The cable reportedly supports charging, but only transfers data at a sluggish speed of 480 megabits per second, which is comparable to the USB 2.0 standard from 2000.
During the launch event, Apple did not comment on the speed of the iPhone 15’s USB-C port. However, a reputable source claims that it operates at USB 2.0 speed. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro models will support USB 3 speeds of up to 10Gbps.
More from the Apple event
For many people, this issue is quite confusing. It highlights the challenges within the broad USB ecosystem, where cost-cutting pressures can compromise user experience, and there is no mandatory authentication process. While USB-C is a faster and more efficient connection technology compared to Apple’s Lightning port, which iPhones have used since 2012, switching to USB-C introduces certain inconveniences.
Apple declined to comment on this matter. However, it has made a significant decision that has a profound impact. USB-C means that you only need one charging cable for most Apple devices, and you can even use your iPhone to charge your AirPods. Moreover, the iPhone 15 Pro models will support recording immersive 4K 60fps ProRes video to an external storage device.
The Triple Interference of USB
A fundamental issue with USB is that it encompasses three different standards. Let me explain.
First, there is the original Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, which governs device identification and data transmission over the Internet. USB was introduced in 1996 with a maximum speed of 12Mbps, but the more efficient USB 2.0 standard emerged later with a speed of 480Mbps, suitable for printers and thumb drives. USB 3.0 was the next significant advancement in 2008, offering speeds of 5 gigabits per second (Gbps) for external hard drives. Subsequent iterations reached speeds of 10Gbps, 20Gbps, and USB 4 is expected to reach 40Gbps. The upcoming USB 4 version 2 aims for a speed of 80Gbps, making it ideal for high-performance storage systems, networks, and controllers.
The second standard is USB-C, which refers to the oval-shaped connector technology. In the early days of USB-C, some Android phones only supported the slower speeds of USB 2.0, but newer models have rectified this issue. USB 4.0, the latest standard, mandates the use of USB-C ports, establishing a future where USB-C aligns with higher speeds.
Lastly, there is USB PD (Power Delivery), which governs charging using USB at rates of up to 240 watts. Most devices don’t require that level of power but need to communicate properly with each other when, for example, a portable battery needs to charge a laptop.
The existence of these three standards – USB, USB-C, and USB PD – complicates the understanding of device and cable capabilities.
Furthermore, many device manufacturers skip the certification process provided by the USB Implementers Forum in an effort to cut costs and expedite product delivery. Unlike Intel’s Thunderbolt, which established the fastest data transfer method in modern USB, there is no requirement for USB-C products to pass a certification test.
The Low Price Contributes to USB-C’s Challenges
No one wants to spend $60 on a USB cable when they can get one for $15. However, beware – you get what you pay for. Building cables capable of supporting high-speed data transfer or delivering high power is expensive. One important rule of thumb is that cables labeled as “fast cables” often do not come with the additional cost associated with high-speed data support. This is true for USB-C cables included with many Apple MacBooks over the years.
I once encountered a cheap cable that claimed to be a USB 4 device, but upon closer inspection, it only supported USB 2.0 data transfer. The manufacturer may have been confused, dishonest, or perhaps they meant to suggest that the cable would work with a USB 4 port, albeit at slower speeds. (Compatibility with USB usually results in decreased performance when older devices are connected to newer ones.)
Fortunately, I haven’t faced major issues with low-quality cables. Most of the time, I use USB-C cables for charging, reserving faster cables for devices that require high-speed connections.
Nevertheless, problems can arise. A few months ago, after purchasing a new Canon mirrorless camera, I encountered difficulties sending photos to my laptop due to slow cables I had on hand during a trip.
When USB-C Causes Issues and When It Doesn’t
The good news for future iPhone owners is that, in general, they won’t need to be overly concerned if they have short cables. Non-Pro iPhone 15 users won’t benefit from faster cable speeds, regardless of their cable choice.
Previously, data rates were a significant concern when we relied on iTunes to transfer music and photos between laptops and iPhones. Nowadays, most of us access media files on our phones via Wi-Fi and AirDrop, rather than relying on cables, despite the substantial increase in photo and video file sizes resulting from 50-megapixel phone cameras and 4K video. This is why Apple decided to ship the iPhone 15 with a USB 2.0 cable.
For users who heavily rely on large amounts of data, such as those shooting gigabytes of 4K ProRes video, a faster cable is indeed beneficial. This is one of the reasons I’m frustrated with the Lightning port on my iPhone. Hopefully, these customers will be discerning enough to acquire a superior cable that meets their specific needs, or, if the rumors are true, they can rely on the faster cable that Apple may include with the iPhone 15 Pro models (although Apple has yet to confirm this).
Personally, I prefer purchasing USB-C products that have passed USB-IF compliance testing. I look for USB-IF certifications, and I appreciate companies like pluggable that provide clear labels to help users identify compatible products (although not all products have such labels).
However, for those who are unsure or prefer guidance, Apple personnel can recommend top-quality USB-C devices that are guaranteed to work well together, even if they come with a higher price tag compared to third-party alternatives.
The Switch to USB-C is Less Painful Than the Lightning Transition
When Apple transitioned from the 30-pin connector to the Lightning port, there was significant backlash, despite the Lightning port being a superior alternative. I anticipate similar complaints as people realize that they can no longer use the cables they had stashed away in electrical boxes, office desks, backpacks, and nightstands due to the switch to USB-C on iPhones.
However, the good news is that USB-C has already gained widespread adoption, not only in most MacBooks and iPads but also in modern Android phones, Windows laptops, Nintendo Switch gaming consoles, iPad Pro and Air tablets, Sony noise-canceling headphones, and countless other devices. It’s highly likely that many of us have spare USB-C cables lying around.
When discussing USB-C labeling issues with USB-IF executives, they reassure me that most people do not experience significant problems, and the technology is progressively maturing. Consequently, issues related to incompatibilities and product defects will eventually be resolved.
I certainly hope so. For me, the versatility and power of USB-C outweigh the temporary inconveniences. Nevertheless, I long for a future without any complications.
