How can Apple profit from the upcoming USB-C port on the iPhone?

 And it has had a lot of success with the idea. After more than a decade, the Lightning port will probably end its mission on the iPhone 15 series, when Apple decides to switch to using the USB-C connection standard with superior cross-platform compatibility. However, there are also many concerns about the benefits / harms when this change is applied?

USB-C may improve the iPhone's charging and transfer speeds in terms of hardware design, but final spec details still depend on iOS support. There are a lot of rumors from many reputable sources revealing that Apple may limit the data and charging speed for unofficial USB-C iPhone accessories in the future.

As revealed by 'leaker' ShrimpApplePro, who is known for his relatively accurate sharing of Apple products, Apple seems to be working on expanding the MFi program to USB-C. The leaked source also said that Foxconn, one of Apple's largest hardware outsourcing partners, has begun mass production of accessories such as EarPods and cables. This reinforces previous rumors that Apple plans to limit the capabilities of the iPhone's USB-C port. If you don't know, MFi (Made for iPhone) is Apple's hardware certification program for genuine iPhone accessories. Buying MFi-certified accessories helps users avoid encountering fakes, and also brings profits to Apple.

How can Apple profit from the upcoming USB-C port on the iPhone? Picture 1

The MFi program is currently available for accessories that use the Lightning interface. All MFi-certified Lightning connector and port products will come with a custom chip that proves they've been approved by Apple. If the above rumors are true, the iPhone USB-C accessories will also be subject to the same regulations.

It's unclear exactly how much of a difference the software limitations will make if Apple decides to implement it. In addition, according to analyst Ming Chi-Kuo, the iPhone 15/15 Plus variants will keep the current Lightning / USB 2.0 speeds, while the higher-end iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max "will support less". least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3".

Isabella Humphrey

Update 07 March 2023