In the early morning of September 13, 2023, Beijing time, Apple officially released the iPhone 15 series of mobile phones and a new generation of Apple Watch.
This year’s iPhone 15 finally uses the “new” USB-C interface as expected. After the dust has settled, let’s make a summary of the new iPhone USB-C interface:
Why is Apple only using USB-C now?
Contrary to what many people imagine, the iPhone’s switch to USB-C was not driven out by Apple over time amid the EU’s huge fines.
According to relevant sources, Apple had considered bringing the USB-C interface to the iPhone at least five years ago, when the iPad Pro switched to the USB-C interface, and agreed to switch to USB-C in 2023. It is not just the result of compromise after negotiations between Apple and relevant regulatory agencies, but also the performance enhancement and charging advantages of USB-C that make Apple realize that using USB-C on the iPhone is also a better option.
Is the USB-C interface of iPhone 15 compatible with Android? Has charging become faster?
If you only have one mobile phone, except for replacing the previous Lightning accessories, switching the iPhone to USB-C will not have any substantial impact on you.
If you use both an iPhone and an Android phone, then switching to USB-C for your iPhone is great news for you. After the iPhone 15 switches to a USB-C interface, it can be charged directly with the charging cable of an Android phone, eliminating the need to carry an extra cable when going out. As for the charging speed, unfortunately, this year’s iPhone still uses 20W PD fast charging, and the charging speed has not changed. However, in terms of wireless charging, Apple has added Qi 2 wireless charging support to the iPhone 15 series. Even if it is not an MFM (Made for MagSafe) certified accessory, you should be able to use 15W wireless charging.
Best USB-C Chargers for Your iPhone 15 series
More than a technical choice, picking the best USB-C charger involves boosting your everyday experience and maintaining connectivity. Here’s a list of USB-C chargers from StablePSU that are well-regarded and could be suitable for iPhone 15:
StablePSU Fixed EU Prong 65W Single Port PD Charger CE Certificated；
StablePSU 45W PD Charger Power Delivery Adapter Foldable USA Plug With 1.2M USB-C Cable
Is the USB-C interface of the iPhone 15 encrypted?
Previously, many reports claimed that iPhone and Android Type-C are not universal, because Apple will develop similar custom ICs for the USB-C ports on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, and may also develop similar ICs for its charging cables. Custom IC. As with the iPhone 15 series, the new IC will be used in new MFi-certified peripherals.
However, there is no encryption in reality. The USB-C interface of iPhone 15 is completely compatible with Android. This should also be a compromise made considering the interference of relevant regulatory authorities.
Apple’s USB-C interface is the same as Android’s Type-C. USB-C is Type-C, USB-C, the full name is USB Type-C, which is what everyone usually calls Type-C.and the Android data cable can charge the iPhone 15 and vice versa.
Can the MacBook power adapter charge the iPhone?
As mentioned above, USB-C is Type-C, so the Mac charger can quickly charge the iPhone.
Some people may worry that the high-power Mac PD charger will damage the low-power iPhone. Regular and qualified chargers will conduct a quick “handshake” with the electronic control in the phone before charging to confirm that both parties can input and input power. Combined with the voltage and current, the power is then transferred according to the handshake result. Even if you use a 100W TB3 cable to plug the iPhone 15, which can only consume 20W, into a 240W desktop power adapter, the adapter will still power the iPhone 15 in 20W PD mode after the two parties shake hands.
In addition, Apple’s website clearly states that the Mac power adapter can be used for the iPhone 15 series.
Although you can use a Mac power adapter to charge your iPhone, the reverse is discussed separately. The minimum power requirement to trigger fast charging of the iPhone 15 series is PD 20W. For general charging, 5W or even lower is acceptable. But to charge a MacBook, the power adapter must meet at least the PD 35W power requirement.
If you equip your iPhone 15 with a PD 35W or higher power adapter, you can indeed charge your iPhone and Mac with a set of chargers. But if you only have one PD 20W duplication appliance, since it cannot meet the minimum power requirement of the MacBook, the two parties will not enter the power delivery state after a successful handshake. At this time, there will also be a relevant pop-up window on the Mac, prompting that the device is not charging.
Why is the transmission rate of the iPhone 15 basic model different from that of the Pro series?
This problem is very simple. To reduce the cost of the iPhone 15 series, Apple used a precise knife to cut off the USB 3.0 protocol support of the iPhone 15. This means that even if the iPhone 15 digital series changes to the USB-C interface, it still uses the 2.0 protocol.The transmission speed of the iPhone 15 Pro series is 10Gbps, which Apple labels as USB 3.0 protocol.
Does the iPhone 15 series require a lot of adapters?
As I just said, USB-C and Type-C are the same thing.
Considering the poor popularity of active TB3 devices, as long as it is a qualified USB-C cable that can transmit data, it can be used directly. There is no need to convert the iPhone 15’s USB-C to Lightning first and then connect other accessories. As long as they are USB-C and plug-and-play, most accessories can directly interoperate with each other.
Conclusion
The introduction of a USB-C port in the iPhone 15 is not just a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift. It marks a significant move towards universal compatibility, simplifying user experience, and fostering a more cohesive digital ecosystem. The iPhone 15’s USB-C port is not only compatible with Android devices but also catalyzes broader industry change. As we look to the future, the universal adoption of USB-C holds the promise of a more interconnected, efficient, and user-friendly world.
