This year’s highlight will be the lightning-fast data speeds made possible by Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max’s new USB-C connections. But owing to a recent leak, we now not only know how fast it will be but also that it will do a surprise action.
Thunderbolt 3 will be the port on Pro models. I’m aware that there is much conjecture in our community, but it is TB3, says anonymous insider analyst941, who provided accurate information regarding the Dynamic Island prior to the release of the iPhone 14 Pro last year.
Up to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps), or 5,000 megabytes per second (MBps), are supported via Thunderbolt 3. Comparatively, the Lightning connection on all current iPhones can only operate at USB 2.0 rates, which equates to 480 megabits per second (0.48 Gbps / 60 MBps), which is the limit. It’s a stellar improvement.
But the real shocker is that, according to Analyst941, the new port will also output to monitors at up to 4K, albeit there will supposedly be additional “features” in iOS 17 to take advantage of this, even though the example offered is, in their own words, “niche”:
Whether the new features could include outputting a game or movie to a standard monitor or TV without Apple TV or AirPlay remains to be seen, but it opens the doorway for multi-display support similar to iPad Pros, which can connect to monitors to extend their workspace.
Despite this, it is really the raw speed benefits of Thunderbolt 3 that excite most. iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max owners will potentially be able to back up and restore their phones in minutes, and enthusiasts will be able to quickly transfer the gigantic files ProRAW photography and ProRES video create. It’s a radical upgrade in iPhone capabilities.
And it’s not the only change coming. Previously leaks have revealed a more curved design, lightweight titanium chassis, periscopic zoom camera and potential price hikes. But it is the inclusion of USB-C that could ultimately have the greatest impact — even if Apple was forced to do so.
