We’ve known for some time that Apple will likely replace the Lightning port with a USB-C port on all iPhone 15 models this year, but now we know more about how these new charging ports could enhance — or potentially limit — the functionality of I next terminal devices of the company.
According to new iPhone 15 Plus images posted on X by Apple serial leaker Majin Buu, Apple will include a custom 3LD3 chip in the USB-C port of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro. Maximum.
Because it is important? Well, according to Buu’s follow-up post, this mystery chip will do one of two things: better protect the iPhone 15 from data compromise, or limit the charging speeds of third-party charging accessories.
USB C connector details for iPhone15 Plus pic.twitter.com/J0nDO7WPeUAugust 14, 2023
If it’s the former, that’s good news for future iPhone 15 owners. Wired charging methods are notorious for exposing smartphones to malicious data attacks, and iPhones in particular are a particularly attractive target for data thieves who use public charging stations to install malicious malware.
Cables from compromised charging stations can connect to iPhone data jacks, but this Apple-made 3LD3 chip would supposedly limit the risk of unwanted data transfers.
However, if the second of Buu’s suggestions proves correct, then Apple may have a political battle on its hands. For those of you who don’t know, a new EU regulation requires smartphone makers to include USB-C charging ports on all new tech products sold in EU countries from the end of 2024. Apple seems willing to meet that requirement. with the iPhone 15 line; So far, so good.
But the goal of this new EU regulation is to level the playing field when it comes to charging speeds and charger compatibility. While this 3LD3 chip is designed to give Apple charging accessories an edge over those from other manufacturers, the company is deliberately undermining the EU directive.
We had already heard that Apple may prepare this trick. For example, the tech giant has been widely reported to be planning to implement MFi (“Made for iPhone”) certification on its lineup of USB-C accessories, which had led many – including us – to speculate that these Apple products the chargers would allow for faster-charging speeds on the iPhone 15 than third-party chargers.
The EU itself has responded to these reports by warning Apple against making such a move, citing its desire to maintain a level playing field for charging. EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton has even gone so far as to tell the company it will stop selling iPhones in member countries (such as France, Germany, and Spain) if it tries to circumvent the EU’s new USB-C charging policy.
It’s worth noting that this policy doesn’t officially go into effect until the end of 2024, so Apple technically doesn’t have to comply with the EU’s warning until then. That said, with the company all but certain to include USB-C charging ports on its latest iPhones a year ahead of schedule, hopefully, these ports are fully compliant with EU regulations.
Either way, you’ll still be able to use third-party USB-C chargers to power your iPhone 15, but these accessories may not perform as fast as comparable chargers purchased directly from Apple.
Sounds like good news for die-hard Apple fans, but since Apple no longer includes chargers in the box with iPhone purchases, you’ll almost certainly need to shell out extra cash for one of the company’s proprietary charging accessories if you want to get the most out of it. from your iPhone 15.