The mysterious iPhone 15 chip could spell bad news for USB-C charging speeds
We’ve known for a while that Apple will likely replace the Lightning port with a USB-C port on every iPhone 15 model this year, but we’re now learning more about how these new charging ports could improve — or potentially limit — the functionality of the company’s upcoming handsets.
According to new iPhone 15 Plus images posted to X by serial Apple leaker Majin Bu, Apple will install a custom 3LD3 chip in the USB-C port of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max recording.
Why is this important? Well, according to Bu’s follow-up post, this mysterious chip will likely do one of two things: better protect the iPhone 15 from data compromise, or limit the charging speed of third-party charging accessories.
iPhone15 Plus USB C connector detail pic.twitter.com/J0nDO7WPeUAugust 14, 2023
If the former is the case, this is good news for future iPhone 15 owners. Wired charging methods have been known to expose smartphones to malicious data hacking, with iPhones in particular proving to be a particularly attractive target for data thieves who use public charging stations to install malicious malware.
Cables in compromised charging docks can be attached to your iPhone’s data pins, but this Apple-made 3LD3 chip should presumably limit the risk of unwanted data transfers.
However, if Bu’s second suggestion turns out to be correct, Apple may have a political battle to fight. For those unaware, a new EU regulation means smartphone makers will have to include USB-C charging ports in all new technology products sold in EU countries from the end of 2024. Apple seems to be meeting that requirement with the iPhone 15 line – so far, so well.
But the whole point of these new EU regulations is to create a level playing field when it comes to charging speeds and charger compatibility. If this 3LD3 chip is designed to give Apple’s own charging accessories an edge over third-party manufacturers, then the company is deliberately undermining the EU directive.
Indeed, we had already heard that Apple could be preparing to pull this trick. For example, there’s been a lot of talk that the tech giant is planning to implement MFi (“Made for iPhone”) certification on its range of USB-C accessories, which had led many – including us – to speculate that these Apple-produced chargers would enable faster charging speeds on the iPhone 15 than third-party chargers from other manufacturers.
The EU itself responded to these reports by warning Apple against such a move, citing a desire to level the playing field. EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton went so far as to tell the company it will prevent iPhones from being sold in member states (such as France, Germany and Spain) if it tries to circumvent the EU’s new USB-C charging policy.
It’s worth clarifying that this policy won’t officially go into effect until late 2024, so Apple doesn’t technically have to comply with the EU’s warning until that date. That said, given that the company will almost certainly include USB-C charging ports on its latest iPhones a year earlier than absolutely necessary, you’d expect these ports to be fully compliant with EU regulations.
In any case, you can still use third-party USB-C chargers to power your iPhone 15, but these accessories may not work as fast as comparable first-party chargers purchased directly from Apple.
That 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 have to shell out extra cash for one of the company’s own charging accessories if you want to get it. get the most out of your iPhone 15.