The anticipation around Apple’s iPhone 15 launch has been growing, as details about its release date and major improvements have been leaking consistently. But now, one of the final puzzles has been solved, and it comes with a surprising twist.
Earlier this year, there were rumors that the iPhone 15 lineup would switch to USB-C, offering faster charging and data transfer speeds. However, these rumors had quieted down recently. Nevertheless, ChargerLab, a specialized website, has now revealed a breakthrough discovery based on leaked iPhone 15 component images. This discovery involves a new integrated circuit (IC) that suggests “at least three models of the iPhone 15 will feature Thunderbolt/USB4’s high-speed data transfer capability of 40Gbps.”
This revelation is shocking, considering that this upgrade was initially expected only for the higher-end iPhone 15 Pro models, at best. Apple’s current approach with its iPads has reserved Thunderbolt speeds for the Pro series. The difference in speeds is also quite substantial. Up until now, all iPhone models have been limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480 megabits per second), while Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps performance equals a staggering 40,000 megabits per second. This represents a monumental enhancement. With Apple’s upcoming fall product launch, a new iPhone is almost guaranteed to be unveiled, and there are speculations about faster charging being included.
According to 9to5Mac, a reputable tech blog known for its accurate Apple-related predictions, the upcoming iPhone will make the transition from Apple’s proprietary Lightning charging port to the more universally used USB-C. Some versions of the iPhone 15 are expected to support accelerated charging as well.
Citing unnamed sources from the industry, the blog revealed this information. However, Apple has not responded to CNN’s request for a comment on this matter.
The iPhone 15 might be compatible with a 35-watt charger, which would enable quicker charging. Apple’s current recommendation for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max users is to avoid chargers exceeding 27 watts, while iPhone 14 users should stick to chargers with a maximum of 20 watts. A 20-watt charger can fully charge an iPhone 14 within one hour. It remains uncertain how fast the 35-watt charger would charge devices from the iPhone 15 series.
It’s crucial not to use chargers with wattages beyond the recommended levels, as excessive power can lead to overheating and battery damage.
However, even with a 35-watt charger, the charging speed of the iPhone 15 will still be notably slower compared to flagship models from competitors, such as Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Series. These phones support “superfast charging” through specialized 45-watt chargers.