Those hoping for big improvements in USB-C transfer speeds over Lightning might be disappointed if they don’t use the right iPhone 15 cables.
Apple is expected to ditch the Lightning connector in favor of USB-C when the iPhone 15 launches later in 2023, but a new report suggests there might be a catch.
After Apple finally got rid of the slow Lightning connector (480 Mbps) that iPhones have been using for a decade, there were hopes that USB-C would boost file transfer speeds. And while that might still be the case, it now appears Apple will limit this particular benefit to its own cables as well as those it blesses.
Apple is already rumored to be planning to continue its Made for iPhone (MFi) program when it transitions to USB-C this year. Now, Twitter leaker ShrimpApplePro believes the same program will be used to limit transfer speeds.
The leaker had already confirmed that he expects Apple to continue with the MFi program when asked what that would mean for non-MFi certified cables. The answer means that to get the most out of the iPhone 15’s USB-C port, we may need to purchase Apple’s own or Apple-certified cables.
Under the MFi program, companies pay to license an authentication chip, which they then build into cables, charging stations, and other accessories. Non-MFi certified accessories mostly work, while others cause the iPhone to display an error message stating that the accessory is not supported.
Now it looks like Apple may limit the charging and transfer speeds of cables not equipped with the authentication chip.
If that’s actually the case, things might get interesting. The move to USB-C comes following the EU mandated that Apple and other cell phone makers use a shared charging cable. Even if Apple follows the rules and scraps Lightning, it remains to be seen how EU legislators view this move as it continues to limit the ability to charge and transfer data.
