USB-C arrives on the iPhone 15: why Apple was forced to change

Speed ​​that the iPhone 14 is only an improved iPhone 13 is not entirely true … nor false, by the way. If he inherits the appearance and screen of his elder, he recovers the SOC of the iPhone 13 Pro (and his more powerful GPU). The back camera is hardly changing at the material level, but now benefits from the new photonic engine which improves the quality of the images in low light.

The iPhone 15 and 15 pro, in USB-C from this fall ?

While we discovered, no later than yesterday, one of the new features of iOS 17, let us now return to the last corridor noises around the iPhone 15, and more mainly with regard to USB -VS.

At Apple, USB-C not so easy ..

It’s been several years since we hear about the arrival of an iPhone with a USB-C port. In 2019, corridors were already murmured as to the abandonment of the Lightning port for iPhone models that would be released from 2021. We are in 2023, and neither the iPhone 13 nor the iPhone 14 inaugurated this hoped -for change. However, this year, rumors have never been so insistent regarding the integration of a USB-C port on the iPhone. Let us recall that the European Commission voted in 2022 the adoption of a unique connection for all devices.

However, it was not until the fall of 2024 that manufacturers will be forced to adopt USB-C for their smartphones and tablets sold on European territory (and from 2026 for computers). Theoretically, this would therefore leave a year of respite to Apple to deploy a new iPhone equipped with its usual Lightning Port on the market.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: normally, c good

We mentioned it previously, the idea that Apple would adopt USB-C for its iPhone 15 has never returned so much on the carpet. For good reason, previous Leaks of the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro have suggested the presence of the famous port. The site Bloomberg And the well-informed Ming-Chi Kuo analyst has what is said that this year would be the right on the adoption of the USB-C port. To top it off, Apple’s marketing director said last October that the Cupertino firm will sooner or later have no other choice than to comply with European regulations, as reported by us by 9TO5MAC.

However, Apple could have found a way to get around this legislation. It would seem that the apple brand has decided to reserve certain features for its own USB-C cables. In other words, the ultra-fast charge or the high-speed data transfer could only be possible with Apple certified cables. Note, however, that Thierry Breton, who is none other than the European Commissioner, has since declared that he would be ” inadmissible to restrict the interaction with the chargers »». If there is no longer any doubt that the iPhone 15 and 15 pro will indeed be the first Apple smartphones to be equipped with a USB type-C port, we still have to check in what form it will arise ..

• Overall performance
• Screen quality
• Photo-video quality

Speed ​​that the iPhone 14 is only an improved iPhone 13 is not entirely true … nor false, by the way. If he inherits the appearance and screen of his elder, he recovers the SOC of the iPhone 13 Pro (and his more powerful GPU). The back camera is hardly changing at the material level, but now benefits from the new photonic engine which improves the quality of the images in low light.

More attractive for the fans of selfies, the front camera wins an autofocus which ensures clear images and has the kinematic mode which goes to 4K. Video capture benefits from an ultra stabilized “action” mode that we consider successful.

Finally, the device improves the security of its owner thanks to the detection of car accidents as well as the possibility of sending a satellite distress message (in the United States only for the moment). Can we reasonably advise this iPhone 13S which does not say its name ? Yes, if you are sensitive to your new features or if you want to go from an old (iPhone X and previous) model to a state -of -the -art iPhone.

If these few new features leave you with marble, turn rather to the iPhone 13, always in the catalog and whose price will be a little lower (between 110 and 150 euros less, depending on the model).

Sold at 1,019, 1,149 or 1,409 euros (versions 128, 256 and 512 GB) in France, the entry ticket is high. Very high. Especially since Apple no longer judges useful to provide a charger with the device. On the other side of the Atlantic, the price is much lower. It is true that European taxes and other joyfuls weigh down the addition. But not to the point of creating such a price difference, especially at a time when the dollar and the euro are almost equivalent ..

Speed ​​that the iPhone 14 is only an improved iPhone 13 is not entirely true … nor false, by the way. If he inherits the appearance and screen of his elder, he recovers the SOC of the iPhone 13 Pro (and his more powerful GPU). The back camera is hardly changing at the material level, but now benefits from the new photonic engine which improves the quality of the images in low light.

More attractive for the fans of selfies, the front camera wins an autofocus which ensures clear images and has the kinematic mode which goes to 4K. Video capture benefits from an ultra stabilized “action” mode that we consider successful.

Finally, the device improves the security of its owner thanks to the detection of car accidents as well as the possibility of sending a satellite distress message (in the United States only for the moment). Can we reasonably advise this iPhone 13S which does not say its name ? Yes, if you are sensitive to your new features or if you want to go from an old (iPhone X and previous) model to a state -of -the -art iPhone.

If these few new features leave you with marble, turn rather to the iPhone 13, always in the catalog and whose price will be a little lower (between 110 and 150 euros less, depending on the model).

Sold at 1,019, 1,149 or 1,409 euros (versions 128, 256 and 512 GB) in France, the entry ticket is high. Very high. Especially since Apple no longer judges useful to provide a charger with the device. On the other side of the Atlantic, the price is much lower. It is true that European taxes and other joyfuls weigh down the addition. But not to the point of creating such a price difference, especially at a time when the dollar and the euro are almost equivalent ..

USB-C arrives on the iPhone 15: why Apple was forced to change

The iPhone 15 unveiled by Apple are the brand’s first smartphones to have a USB-C port. They say goodbye to Lightning. A change that we owe more to the European Union than to the apple brand.

That’s it ! The iPhone 15 have been unveiled, the iPhone 15 Pro were revealed. During the famous Apple back to school Keynote. There is a lot to say about these phones, but one of the great new products that we retain is undeniably the integration of a USB-C port.

Admittedly, during the keynote, the brand presented this change as a logical evolution of its products – without however making tons as we could have feared before the conference. However, this transition is not a choice that Apple made of gay heart. The Apple was very attached to its owner Lightning port on the iPhone and it was the European Union that forced its hand with a new law. Let us allow a reminder of the events that brought the USB-C to the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

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We will see it, in this history, the European Union plays the role of heroin … or the nasty antagonist from the point of view.

USB-C compulsory in Europe

Back in 2022. After a small legal soap opera that runs in summer, the European Commission announces the vote of a very important bill for the future of several electronic devices. Indeed, it has been official since the beginning of October of the same year: USB-C will become the only wired load author authorized for several devices, including smartphones, within the European Union.

From the start, it is clear that the main target of the measure is Apple, the last major manufacturer of smartphones to make resistance to this connection already largely adopted by competition.

On the other hand, Apple A until the fall of 2024 – and therefore to the iPhone 16 – to comply with the new European regulations. The tech giant will not have the file or the suspense dragged by resigning itself to integrate the USB-C from the iPhone 15, in 2023.

Contacted by Frandroid In 2022, the cabinet of Alex Agius Saliba, the European rapporteur in charge of the file, recalls that ” The idea of ​​a common charger for mobile phones and similar electronic devices is not new. »» A first protocol had thus emerged in 2009 already. At the time, the agreement had made it possible to “Reduce the number of chargers on the market by 30 to 3. »» At the time, the goal was centered around the micro USB.

What are the devices concerned ?

If we think mainly of smartphones, the latter are far from being the only electronic devices concerned by the new European directive. In the fall of 2024, the imposition of the USB-C as a universal standard for the wired load will also apply to the following products:

• Tablets;
• electronic readers;
• headphones (whether intra-ear or not);
• headphones;
• digital cameras;
• portable video game consoles;
• Rechargeable portable speakers via wired cable.

Just over a year later, laptops will also be affected by this European directive.

Why Apple didn’t want USB-C ?

Apple has always had a fairly special position on the USB-C. The Californian company participated in the development of this standard as a member of the USB Implemers Forum organization. Also, she already used it as a recharge port on some of her products such as MacBook or iPad – even the iPad 10 got there. On the other hand, on its iPhone and AirPods, the firm was resisting. And firmly.

In the past, she had already defended her Lightning port in front of the European Union. Apple stated that the manufacturers to adopt USB-C for innovation to innovate innovation. The Cupertino giant estimated that a company should have the freedom to use the wearing of its choice to be able to implement the technologies of its choice. The imposition of a universal charging port ” will harm consumers in Europe and in the world “, According to the Multinationals at the time.

This argument could defend itself, but it was undermined by a reality: the lightning was confined to USB 2.0 is less effective on transfers than USB-C closely linked to more modern technologies such as USB 4 for example, and even USB 4 2.0.

Anyway, it is for these reasons that, even if Apple was never explicitly quoted in the European bill, the apple firm was at the heart of the subject.

Why the European Union imposes USB-C ?

The establishment of a universal and compulsory standard for the wired load in Europe is officially justified by two things. On the one hand, it is a question of simplifying the lives of consumers by allowing them to use the same cable for several devices. On the other hand, this initiative must allow the reduction of waste related to new technologies.

By having fewer cables to store at home, consumers will be less led to buy them. Ultimately, We would therefore observe a drop in production and environmental impact.

With this idea in mind, it was therefore quite logical to turn to the USB-C. This connection is already widely used on the tech market. It is therefore easier to impose it as the universal standard.

In its back-to-school keynote in 2023, Apple cites this advantage by taking it back on its own by indicating that you can use the same cable to recharge the iPhone 15 and the new pro AirPods which also taste the USB-C. An eco -responsible argument made to seduce Lady Nature personified by the excellent actress Octavia Spencer in an interesting sketch by her approach, but a little embarrassing as the sequence transpires the greenswashing.

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Why Apple gave in to the EU ?

Even after the vote of the new European law, some could imagine that the Cupertino firm was going to camp to the end on its position by refusing to integrate a USB-C port on its iPhone. However, this would not have been without risk for Apple. Admittedly, according to the cabinet of Alex Agius Saliba, the text does not provide for a financial sanction. The pressure means is simpler and more efficient.

You must indeed know that ” The new provisions are part of a revision of the Red Directive »». This means that from the fall of 2024, if a device concerned by the directive still has a wired load port different from the USB-C, it will simply not be allowed to be sold in the member countries the European Union.

The RED directive (PDF file) mentioned by the rapporteur supervises the sale of radio equipment. To be in the nails, the device must comply with a set of criteria. He then received a “this” marking proving that he was considered to be in accordance with the competent authorities. Without USB-C port for wired recharging, a smartphone will not get the precious sesame to land on the European market.

Apple would not have had a right pass and its iPhone 15, if they had been hung on their Lightning port, could simply not have been officially sold in Europe. A market where the brand is very popular and solidly rooted. A market that she cannot and obviously does not lose.

What about USB-D ?

Project ourselves a bit. It is quite possible that USB-C will one day become an obsolete standard, exceeded by technological developments. Under these conditions, did the European Union planned to develop the law ?

Yes, reassures Alex Agius Saliba’s office. “” Any technological development should result in a timely adjustment of specific technical requirements/standards for the radio equipment directive. This would make it possible to ensure that the technology used is not exceeded »».

Thus, Europe does not close the door to a possible evolution towards a supposed USB-D. It remains to be seen whether the said adjustments mentioned will be able to apply with good responsiveness.

To a 100 % wireless iPhone ?

The iPhone 15s have USB-C. On the other hand, and for a while now, some rumors have evoke a 100 % wireless iPhone potential in the relatively close future.

By leaving such a product, Apple would not put the new European law. This requires USB-C only for devices offering wired load. A device that uses exclusively to a wireless solution will not be affected and could therefore come out as it is. At least for the moment.

From 2024, the European Commission is expected to apply the law within the EU) to ” Ask European standardization organizations to develop appropriate standards according to the development of wireless technologies ”. Thus, if Apple released a 100 % wireless iPhone, in the following years, a text in this way on wireless recharge could concern it.

Technologically, a smartphone without any wired port is not impossible, Vivo has already presented such concepts. One can nevertheless wonder if it would really be the most practical solution for users. Recharge could possibly be done via Magsafe, but she would have the same yield as a simple wired solution ?

Despite these questions, however, it remains likely that the integration of the USB-C on the iPhone is only a relatively short step before the advent of a 100 % wireless smartphone at Apple. Business.

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The USB-C of iPhone 15 and 15 pro is different, it changes what in real life ?

Apple finally went to USB-C. As expected, wearing the iPhone 15 Pro is different from that of a standard iPhone 15. That of a high -end model offers a higher transfer rate … but that will not revolutionize the daily life of users.

This is one of the big changes of this year. Anticipating the entry into force of new European legislation, Apple has made A cross on the Lightning port, Present since 2012. The iPhone 15 now carry a USB-C type port, such as that massively adopted by Android smartphones.

USB 3 vs USB 2

All models in the range are concerned. On the other hand, there are differences Between the USB-C port of an iPhone 15/15 Plus and that of an iPhone 15/15 Pro. Indeed, Apple has decided to segment the range by offering a higher flow to pro models. These benefit from version 3.1 of USB standard. It offers a transfer rate of up to 10 Gb/s.

For their part, the iPhone 15 are satisfied with the USB 2 standard. This iteration does not exceed 480 Mb/s, either 20 times less than USB 3.1. However, current iPhone users should not be disoriented. USB 2 offers the same maximum transfer rate as lightning.

Please note, the four range smartphones are delivered with A USB-C cable limited to USB 2. If you use the default cable supplied by Apple with your iPhone Pro, you will not benefit from the strengths of the USB 3. Rather, you will have to bring the right cable … to 79 euros on the Apple store.

What differences on a daily basis ?

Concretely, the transfer of data through a USB-C cable will be faster on an iPhone 15 pro than through a standard iPhone 15. But, in fact, this difference in flows will only be noticeable in a handful of situations.

For example, if you transfer photos or videos from your iPhone to a computer, the transfer of a pro model will be significantly faster. This is also the case if you transfer wired content from an iPhone to an Android phone. The difference in flow will also be noticeable if you need to restore the iPhone via a PC or Mac. In these few cases, the iPhone 15 Pro will actually be more efficient than an iPhone 15.

A false problem ?

On a daily basis, the question of flow should not change the lives of users. Apple has used its customers to rely on wireless networks to transfer data. In fact, the whole ecosystem of the brand has Massively turned towards wireless. This is one of Apple’s spearheads, which favors wireless recharge (Magsafe or Qi) to traditional wired research.

When configuring a new iPhone, it is possible to transfer all the data from the previous iPhone (videos, apps, photos, files, etc.) Without ever connecting a cable. Apple offers to go through a simple iCloud backup or direct transfer. In the latter scenario, it is enough that the two iPhones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and near the other.

To transfer files between the different devices of its ecosystem, Apple offers an alternative wirelessly effectively effective in the wired, Airdrop. Again, it is not necessary to go through the “cable” box to exchange files with a Mac, an iPad or another iPhone.

More broadly, even outside the closed ecosystem of Apple, there are a myriad of solutions to transfer wireless files, Between an iPhone and another device, whether it is a Windows PC or an Android device. Let us mention services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

In fact, it has become very rare that users still go through a wired transfer, whether when configuring a new iPhone or to exchange files. Personally, we have probably not transferred the slightest data to a wired iPhone for a decade. De facto, the difference in treatment between the USB-C of an iPhone 15 pro or standard appears as a false problem … or an awkward argument.

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Tokyoquasar said:

Apple have the best Inges for the design of mobile Soc, which saves them, but then the rest is a disaster, they have so much technological delay, and soap or even sales practices close to the scam. But let’s go, on a technical level, for info my 2014 Galaxy S5 had USB 3.0, and my 2017 S8 had USB 3.1 Type C. More than 10 years late for non -pro iPhone, and 6 years for iPhone 5 Pro, knowing that non -ultra galaxy s are roughly at the price of non -pro iPhone in general, and that all had the same USB 3.1 since 2017 therefore.

Tokyoquasar said:
“And 6 years for iPhone 15 pro”*
Dimitri Goimbault said:

I will take the counter current of the comments (surely as a good iPhone owner …)
I use my 13 pro max for video content creation. I take shots in 1080 60 fps and sometimes in kinematic mode.
So yes as a content creator who transfers his files to PC the USB 3 it would clearly be a plus. But for basic uses is it really necessary ? No !
I do not know anyone who connects their iPhone to a PC for another use than recharging, and yet in my entourage there is iPhone.
So for a professional use yes (especially the possibility of recording these shots directly on an external support) but for other bah it is not a big loss.
In fact if you need such a level of transfer it is that you need the pro more than the classic iPhone so there is no subject ..

Tokyoquasar said:

To say that going from USB 2 to 3 will not change much is to say that the support of 5G will not change much. It’s not completely false but it’s a difference that is largely worth noted.

Tokyoquasar said:

The main reason why an iPhone owner does not transfer bcp of cable data is that the classic transfer of Data Type Slip Document of a data folder on his computer, is not possible … Personally I have an Android, and some days I go in a mop with my tel, as long as the place is tourist I can end up with tons of videos and photos at the end of the day, which I prefer to sort or even edit on pc , because larger and more practical software screen. Something quite difficult to do with Apple, you have to go through the cloud and it is much more painful and slow than just plug in such, slide file files, and transfer to USB 3.1 10gbps. Obviously Apple owners cannot understand, their dear brand has never let them do such basic things … The main reason why an iPhone owner does not transfer a lot of cable data is that the Classic data transfer Type Slipping Data file on your computer, is not possible … Personally I have an Android, and some days I go in a vacuum with my tel, as long as the place is tourist I can Find myself with tons of videos and photos at the end of the day, which I prefer to sort or even edit on PC, because larger and more practical software screen. Something quite difficult to do with Apple, you have to go through the cloud and it is much more painful and slow than just plug in such, slide file files, and transfer to USB 3.1 10gbps.

It’s wrong. I suffer to the pc or mac my photos and videos from my iPhone XS. On Windows you must use the photo app or similar and on Mac the image transfer app. The iPhone is simply recognized as a camera. But that is no problem and works just as well as a drag and drop.
The interest of a USB 3.1 On the other hand is very present if we do this kind of manipulation (when you do not save your photos on iCloud for example, like me) and I find Radin from Apple to offer only 2.0 in 2023 on such a high -end.
But hey, it probably only affects very few users, they still have to know the difference between 2.0 and 3.1 …