At this point, it is strongly expected that Apple is finally going to switch from Lightning to a USB-C connector in the iPhone 15 series.
Now, tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states that the upcoming series is going to get USB-C with limitations; the USB-C connector will support fast charging only with MFi-certified cables and power adaptors.
Made for iPhone (MFi) is Apple’s program for third-party manufacturers to provide its licensed technologies and components for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch accessories for a fee. Approved third-party hardware like cables, chargers, dock connectors, and others comes with an MFi certification to let the consumer know they are safe for usage.
Apple increases 20W power adaptors shipments in anticipation of strong demand driven by USB-C iPhone 15
For years, it was speculated that Apple was reluctant to transition from Lightning to USB-C because of the royalties it earned from the MFi-certification for Lightning accessories. However, it was assumed that when the company would make the switch, it would abandon the program altogether.
Earlier, Apple leaker @ShrimpApplePro reported that Apple would be continuing with its MFi program and iPhone 15’s USB-C port would rely on Apple MFi-certified accessories which would limit the compatibility of uncertified third-party accessories.
Corroborating previous reports and giving color, Kuo details that the fast charging with USB-C port across the iPhone 15 series will be optimized to support fast charging with only certified cables. Uncertified cables will only deliver standard charging speeds.
He also added that the company had increased the shipment of its 20W USB-C charger by 120% for the second half of 2023 as it expects more customers to buy charging bricks “following the switch to USB-C for the iPhone 15 series.”
Starting with iPhone 12 series launched in 2020, Apple stopped shipping the free power adaptors in boxes for environmental reasons and sold them separately.
I believe Apple will optimize the fast charging performance of MFi-certified chargers for the iPhone 15. Among Apple’s chargers, the 20W USB-C model is the most cost-effective choice for iPhone users, resulting in strong replacement demand for 20W USB-C chargers.
Previously, Kuo said that although the entire iPhone 15 series will feature a USB-C port, the data transfer speed would “improve markedly” on iPhone 15 Pro models with support for USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3. The standard models would support USB 2.0 data transfer speed. Maybe, data transfer speed might also be limited to certified charging accessories.
Check out iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max rumors: design, features, and more here.
