iPhone 15's USB-C Port: 4.5W Charging for Accessories, USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Pro Models, and More

Saturday September 16, 2023 8:17 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

In a support document published on Friday, Apple provided some additional details about the USB-C port found on all iPhone 15 models.

iPhone 15 USB C Port Event Still
First, Apple said all iPhone 15 models can charge an Apple Watch, AirPods case, or other small accessories connected to the USB-C port at up to 4.5W. Apple already announced this capability, but it had not provided the wattage information.

Second, the document reveals that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support USB 3.2 Gen 2 for data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. Apple had already revealed that the devices support USB 3, but the exact specification is now confirmed. The USB-C cable included with iPhone 15 Pro models supports USB 2 speeds, so a higher-spec cable is needed for faster speeds.

As we previously reported, the document indicates that all iPhone 15 models support DisplayPort for up to 4K HDR video mirroring to an external display or TV with a supported USB-C to DisplayPort cable, or an adapter. However, unlike select iPad models with Stage Manager, the iPhone lacks an extended display mode.

iPhone 15 Pro models also support recording ProRes video directly to an external storage device, at up to 4K and 60 frames per second.

To connect an iPhone 15 to a vehicle with a USB-A port for wired CarPlay usage, Apple says customers can use a USB-C to USB-A cable.

Additional information is outlined in the support document.

Tag: USB-C

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

RIP, MacBook Ultra

Monday October 19, 2026 9:37 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple today sent out invites for an experience in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 28, and the "Pro and tell" tagline on the invitation likely means that the rumored MacBook models with touch-enabled OLED displays will stick with MacBook Pro branding instead of the once-rumored "MacBook Ultra" name. The long-rumored "iPhone Ultra" ended up being named iPhone Duo, so speculation that Apple...

• 160 comments

Here's What Apple's Apps Look Like on the iPhone Duo

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:12 am PDT by Juli Clover

With just three days to go until the iPhone Duo is released, Apple is getting ready for the launch. Behind the scenes, the App Store now has screenshots of Apple's built-in apps running on the Duo. We've seen some apps in marketing materials, but images of the ones we haven't seen give us an idea of what it will be like using the iPhone Duo day to day. Many apps are shown in landscape...

• 116 comments

Apple Announcing New Products Next Week: 'Pro and Tell'

Monday October 19, 2026 9:05 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple's Greg Joswiak today hinted at new product announcements coming next week, sharing a social media post that says "Can't wait to pro and tell next week." Rumors suggest Apple is planning to debut the new MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen display, an M6 entry-level MacBook Pro, an M6 iMac, an iPad mini with an OLED display. Can't wait to pro and tell next week....

• 127 comments

Top Rated Comments

HiRez

41 months ago

So people who buy a $1K+ Pro model and use the cable that came with it will be crippled on speed, possibly without even knowing it? Jesus, Apple, just how cheap are you? That's so awful.

Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)

maerz001

41 months ago

Considering 99% of Pro model users will never plug it in to transfer data, it’s ridiculous to include a higher spec cable. If you need the speed and can afford a $1,000-1,200 phone you can swing $10 for a cable and length that meets your needs.

Apple was talking half of the presentation about environment and zero emissions and yet you have to buy a second cable

Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)

SpotOnT

41 months ago

I can’t believe Apple is not including a USB 3 cable with the Pro phones. There really is no excuse to pinch pennies like that on a premium device.

Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)

dukebound85

41 months ago

Considering 99% of Pro model users will never plug it in to transfer data, it’s ridiculous to include a higher spec cable. If you need the speed and can afford a $1,000-1,200 phone you can swing $10 for a cable and length that meets your needs.

stop making excuses for apple.

this is petty by apple for a 1k-1.7k device that no longer includes a power brick or headphones anymore as well

Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)

EllZ89

41 months ago

There shouldn’t be a cable in the box at all. Most of the people already have chargers and cables.

There shouldn’t be a phone in the box, most people already have phones :rolleyes:

Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)

sw1tcher

41 months ago

Second, the document reveals that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support USB 3.2 Gen 2 for data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. Apple had already revealed that the devices support USB 3, but the exact specification is now confirmed. The USB-C cable included with iPhone 15 Pro models supports USB 2 speeds, so a higher-spec cable is needed for faster speeds.

🤣 Typical Apple. Force iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users to buy a higher spec USB cable to get faster USB transfers speeds.

How is that good for the environment Apple claims they care so much about?

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

iPhone 15's USB-C Port: 4.5W Charging for Accessories, USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Pro Models, and More

Popular Stories

RIP, MacBook Ultra

Here's What Apple's Apps Look Like on the iPhone Duo

Apple Announcing New Products Next Week: 'Pro and Tell'

Top Rated Comments

Next Article

Videos

Guides

Upcoming

Other Stories