iPhone 15 to feature A17 chip and rounded design, but with limited USB-C compatibility: Leaks

An insider source known as ShrimpApplePro has revealed some information about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 models. The new phones will feature a faster performance, a more rounded design, and a higher price point. However, the most requested feature – USB-C compatibility – will come with a disappointing catch.

Apple will be locking down the USB-C port on all iPhone 15 models, a move that contradicts their previous actions of introducing USB-C to iPads and MacBooks without limitations.

USB-C is an open standard, and this news will be a surprise and disappointment to many Apple fans and industry experts. Apple’s official licensing program for accessories, MFi, requires manufacturers to comply with Apple’s standards by installing an authenticator chip on ports. This can limit or disable the accessory completely, and unlicensed accessories are often less expensive than those with MFi certification.

Many people believe that profit is the primary reason why iPhones have not switched to USB-C. Despite an EU clampdown on proprietary ports, it seems that Apple has decided to manipulate the standard, which is a setback. USB-C would allow iPhones to have faster charging and data transfer speeds, and leaks suggest that iPhone 15 Pro models will deliver over 40x faster performance. However, it seems that these benefits will only be available through MFi-approved accessories, which is not ideal for those who already have a drawer full of USB-C cables.

Foxconn has already started producing MFi-licensed accessories, including Apple’s own EarPods and cables, according to ShrimpApplePro. While iPhone enthusiasts may not view this news as a dealbreaker, it is likely not the way industry experts and EU lawmakers expected USB-C to be implemented by the world’s largest smartphone maker.

Apple’s iPhone 15 range is expected to launch in September with a higher price point, a more rounded design, new chassis materials and colors, solid-state buttons, next-gen WiFi, and a 3nm A17 chipset.