All iPhone 15 models have been reported on multiple occasions to feature a USB-C port, making all four of them the first from Apple to transition from the Lightning interface. However, it is only the ‘Pro’ versions that will support the Thunderbolt standard, meaning that data transfer speeds will be through the roof, along with other benefits. However, it is possible Apple ends up limiting the USB-C port’s capabilities, just like it did with the iPad Pro.
Apple limiting the iPhone 15 USB-C port’s capabilities might be a way to increase the importance of its Mac lineup
Apple had throttled the Thunderbolt port on its product line before that was not a Mac. Previously, an M1 iPad Pro was tested with the same port, and during a file transfer test, the tablet was four times slower in completing that same transfer compared to the MacBook Pro. With the iPhone 15, tipster ShrimpApplePro suggests that he does not expect much from the Thunderbolt ports on the ‘Pro’ models as they will not deliver the full bandwidth of the standard.
He offers no explanation on why this limitation exists on the iPad Pro and why this limitation might make its way to the iPhone 15, but Apple could intentionally throttle those speeds to make its Mac lineup more appealing. After all, for creative professionals and other users that want to get things done fast, such as data transfers, a Mac offers the most versatility as a computer. The iPad has come far, but it, too, has drawbacks, mainly due to macOS.
I don’t expect much from it as
- won’t have the full speed of Thunderbolt, probably half like iPad Pros
- limited compatibility https://t.co/RCm5YMM3Hw— ShrimpApplePro 🍤 @ hololive Meet Taipei 2024 (@VNchocoTaco) August 16, 2023
Limiting the Thunderbolt port on the iPhone 15 is definitely an anti-consumer move, but most people will hardly care about this decision since their primary use of a smartphone will not involve transferring files from one device to another. However, there might be other benefits of having this Thunderbolt port, with Apple rumored to add more features in the future after it officially released iOS 17 to the public.
To get the maximum throughput from a Thunderbolt port, manufacturers have to use specialized controllers on the PCB to deliver that bandwidth. Apple might save on manufacturing costs for the iPhone 15 by using less capable controllers to limit those transfer speeds, but we will only find out after those models have officially launched.
News Source: ShrimpApplePro
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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