Reports suggest that Apple could introduce a USB-C data transfer accessory cable for its upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models, boasting Thunderbolt or USB4 speeds of up to 40Gbps. This intriguing possibility comes from Kosutami, who shared cable details on Twitter (now X).
The leaked cable, measuring 0.8 meters in length, is shorter than Apple’s existing Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable (1.8m). Additionally, it’s touted to support charging capabilities of up to 150W. The cable is anticipated to be available for separate purchase, according to the leaker.
Leaked 0.8m Thunderbolt USB-C cable (Image: Majin Bu)
As Apple is predicted to adopt USB-C across the entire iPhone 15 lineup, questions arise regarding the port standard to be employed in the premium iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. Industry watchers wonder if this choice will distinguish them further from the more budget-friendly iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus variants.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that the iPhone 15 Pro models will support “at least” USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3. However, the leaked USB4 cable is founded on the Thunderbolt 4 protocol, offering the potential for speeds equivalent to 40Gbps—twice the preceding USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard.
Regarding the claim of 150W charging capacity (corrected from 120W in a subsequent tweet by Kosutami), it signifies faster power delivery compared to Apple’s existing Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable (100W). However, this doesn’t necessarily guarantee that iPhone 15 Pro models will accommodate charging at this pace.
Earlier this year, Ming-Chi Kuo projected that the iPhone 15 lineup would exhibit enhanced charging speeds due to the transition to USB-C. Concurrently, a rumor has circulated that some iPhone 15 models might facilitate charging speeds up to 35W. Presently, iPhone 14 models cap at around 27W for charging, with the Pro models offering slightly quicker rates.
Amidst this speculation, the USB-C port capabilities of the iPhone 15 series remain uncertain, barring the confirmed shift from Lightning. Insights suggest that cables bundled with iPhone 15 units might support USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, clocking in at 480 MBps—the same as Lightning.
In contrast, it’s anticipated that the iPhone 15 Pro models will arrive with cables that allow USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 transfer speeds, aligning with Kuo’s initial forecast. Images from ChargerLab bolster this expectation, hinting at a Thunderbolt/USB 4 retimer chip for some iPhone 15 models, lending credence to the notion of swifter data transfer capabilities for the Pro models.
Each iPhone 15 is projected to include a braided USB-C charging cable in the box, offering enhanced durability compared to the current Lightning cables. Furthermore, these new cables are expected to be 50% longer. Reports hint that these cables might be color-coordinated with potential new iPhone colors, spanning shades like black, white, yellow, blue, and orange.
Apple enthusiasts can anticipate the unveiling of the new iPhone 15 lineup during an event anticipated to occur on September 12.
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