USB-C on iPhone 15 will limit charging and data transfer speeds with non-MFi accessories

Apple is expected to release a new generation of iPhone 15 series smartphones this fall, which will feature new functions and some forward-looking changes. One of the biggest changes may be the introduction of a USB-C port across the lineup, abandoning the Lightning port that has been in use for ten years. This is partly due to Apple’s need to comply with the EU’s USB-C charging requirements.

According to Wccftech, USB-C cables for the iPhone 15 series have already begun large-scale production, with Foxconn responsible for manufacturing them. Like the existing Lightning cables, Apple’s new USB-C cables will also have MFi certification. To ensure MFi certification revenue, Apple has designed a specialized IC chip for the new cable, which will be used in this year’s new iPhone and MFi-certified products.

When using some third-party Lightning cables, users may occasionally see a prompt saying “This accessory is not supported.” This is because accessories that require MFi certification have dedicated chips to confirm whether they meet Apple’s standards, a method that has been used for many years. Unlike Lightning cables, most Android phones on the market already use USB-C ports, and a variety of USB-C cables are already widely available and much cheaper than MFi-certified products.

For third-party products that have not received MFi certification, Apple is likely to limit their data transfer and charging speeds. In theory, Apple’s USB-C cables can be used with Android and other devices, as fast charging is based on the PD protocol.

In addition, rumors suggest that only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in the iPhone 15 series will support high-speed data transfer, at least at the USB 3.2 level, while the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will still have the same speed as the existing Lightning port, which is USB 2.0.