We've heard multiple reports that the iPhone 15's move to USB-C would deliver a serious speed upgrade, but that the fastest speeds – and its fastest charging speeds – would be reserved for the Pro and Pro Max. And now a new set of leaked images of the iPhone 15's internals has revealed the existance of a mystery chip behind the USB-C connector.
According to Chargerlab.com, who published the images, the chip is a retimer chip and its presence "suggests that multiple models within the iPhone 15 series will support Thunderbolt/USB4's high-speed 40Gbps data transmission." ChargerLAB says that the chip is commonly found in high speed Thunderbolt/USB4 devices, where its job is to reduce signal jitter and reconstruct signals to deliver better stability and longer transmission distances for fast data transfers.
Is Apple planning two-tier USB-C?
It's pretty much certain that Apple is going all-in on USB-C for the iPhone 15, and that's good news for multiple reasons. One less charging cable is always handy, but that compatiblity could massively increase the amount of compatible devices for iPhone. At the moment manufacturers need to make different devices for the iPhone due to its Lightning connector. With that gone, they can make devices that work with both the best iPhones and best Android phones.
Or at least, they might be able to. What we don't know yet is whether Apple will be bringing its MFI (Made For iPhone) system across to USB-C. MFI is Apple's certification programme, and some reports have suggested that Apple may restrict the performance of non-MFI USB-C devices. That could put Apple on a collision course with the same EU that mandated USB-C, and that could prove to be a long-running and expensive battle.
Whether Apple creates a two-tier USB system or not, it's clear that Lightning is on its way out: once the iPhone 15 ships only the 9th Generation iPad and the AirPods will have Lightning connectors, and we know that the AirPods Pro 2 are getting a USB charging case this year too.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Writer, musician and broadcaster Carrie Marshall has been covering technology since 1998 and is particularly interested in how tech can help us live our best lives. Her CV is a who’s who of magazines, newspapers, websites and radio programmes ranging from T3, Techradar and MacFormat to the BBC, Sunday Post and People’s Friend. Carrie has written more than a dozen books, ghost-wrote two more and co-wrote seven more books and a Radio 2 documentary series; her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man, was shortlisted for the British Book Awards. When she’s not scribbling, Carrie is the singer in Glaswegian rock band Unquiet Mind (unquietmindmusic).
-
Christmas car gifts for auto addicts
Find the perfect present for those who know their Porsche from their Pagani and their 800 volts from their V8
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
7 health and fitness trends that’ll dominate 2025, according to experts
Here's what we can expect in the upcoming year
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
New Apple TV and HomePod mini coming in 2025, says expert
Apple's upgrading its TV streamer and smallest speaker as part of its renewed focus on smart home systems
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Your Apple TV just got a great new trick
Actually it got a couple...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple just accidentally leaked the M4 MacBook Air
Don't expect a redesign, this upgrade is all about processing power
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Apple AirPods Pro 3 tipped for an earlier than expected release date
And with a redesign too, possibly
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple Music gets a huge free update you can enjoy even if you don't subscribe
Viva la musica!
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
iOS 18.2 upgrade – here's how to get Apple Intelligence on your iPhone
Apple has released its iOS 18.2 upgrade, bringing a range of new features to your iPhone. Discover how to get the features and what to expect
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Apple Vision Pro could learn a thing or two from PSVR2 when it comes to gaming
Craving proper gaming on the Apple Vision Pro? That could happen
By Chris Hall Published
-
Your iPhone is about to get its biggest free update yet – iOS 18.2 release imminent
Apple Intelligence could make its bow in the UK in the next couple of days, along with new AI features for the US and much more
By Rik Henderson Last updated