Kuo: Only iPhone 15 Pro Models Will Support Higher-Speed Data Transfers With USB-C Upgrade - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Kuo: Only iPhone 15 Pro Models Will Support Higher-Speed Data Transfers With USB-C Upgrade

The iPhone 15 Pro models that are planned for next year will support higher wired transfer speeds thanks to the transition to USB-C, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

iPhone 15 to Switch From Lightning to USB C in 2023 feature
While all iPhone 15 models are going to feature USB-C ports instead of Lightning ports, the faster transfer speeds will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models. Standard iPhone 15 models will continue to feature USB 2.0 speeds, the same as Lightning.


Kuo says that transfer speeds will likely "improve markedly" on the iPhone 15 Pro models, with support for "at least" USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3. With the upgrade, iPhone 15 Pro models will be able to transfer video files and other file types at quicker speeds, with Kuo predicting a significantly improved user experience.

USB 2.0 transfer speeds are limited to 480Mb/s, while USB 3.2 supports speeds up to 20Gb/s. Thunderbolt 3 supports data transfer speeds up to 40Gb/s, so if Kuo is correct, there will be a major difference in wired data transfer speeds between Pro and non-Pro iPhone 15 models.

Apple is transitioning to USB-C across its product lineup, and the first USB-C iPhones are due next year. Apple is making the change in order to comply with European regulations that require electronic devices to have non-proprietary, common charging methods.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium

New Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 Features Revealed

Sunday August 30, 2026 7:54 am PDT by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today further outlined what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 set to be unveiled on September 9. While it was initially rumored that Touch ID may be coming to the Apple Watch this year, Gurman reiterated that he does not expect the Series 12 or Ultra 4 to have any major design changes compared to the current Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. ...
Mac mini vs Studio Feature Sans Text 1

Apple Caught Off Guard by AI Demand for Mac Mini and Mac Studio

Sunday August 30, 2026 8:52 am PDT by
Apple's unusually timed announcement of new Mac mini and Mac Studio models this week was driven by unexpectedly strong enterprise appetite for AI hardware, according to The Information. Apple normally releases new Mac models in the autumn, closer to October or November, making this week's announcement unusually early, falling just before the anticipated arrival of new iPhone models. The...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Unveiled Four New Products This Week

Wednesday August 26, 2026 5:54 pm PDT by
Apple on Tuesday unveiled a new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chip options, a new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip options, a new version of the Polishing Cloth with a lower price, and updated Magic Keyboards for Macs. To learn more about these products, read our coverage below: Apple Announces New Mac Mini With M6 and M5 Pro Chips and More Apple Unveils New Mac Studio With M5 Max...

Top Rated Comments

bwillwall Avatar
50 months ago
USB 3.0 isn't an expensive or premium feature. This really irritates me. It should be standard in anything with USBC today. 2.0 is ancient and there's no excuse other than they picked a cheap reason to try to make people buy a Pro. I hope this is just a rumor.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JPack Avatar
50 months ago
USB 2.0 in 2023? Definitely feels like a Tim Cook decision.

https://www.macrumors.com/2022/11/08/apple-design-team-focused-on-costs-report/
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
50 months ago
Remember when they only made great products?
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
50 months ago
It would be so petty from Apple if they limit the USB-C to 2.0 speeds.

Although it’s very unlikely. Definitely will have Thunderbolt 3 and Pros will have Thunderbolt 4/ USB4 like Macs and iPad Pro
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HiVolt Avatar
50 months ago
Thats good but terrible at the same time...

They should support the fastest speeds on the Pro's, but allow at least basic USB 3.0 speeds on the standard models.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
50 months ago
If this is what Apple is doing it's pretty lame. I can't think of any other device that uses USB-C at USB 2 speeds but Apple may land yet another courageous first.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors