iPhone 15 users could save themselves from headaches by getting Apple's new USB-C cables.
The Cupertino-based giant recently released new USB-C woven charge cables to help new iPhone 15 users transfer data and charge their devices.
However, there are pros and cons to using these cables.
Apple's New Cables
Apple's new 240W USB-C charge cable (L) and its Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable (R)
Apple's new iPhone 15 phones are almost here, and as such, the company is capitalizing on this pre-iPhone 15 period to offer interested customers accessories they'll need to better enjoy them. According to a report from MacRumors, Apple released two new USB-C woven charge cables after its "Wanderlust" event on Sept. 12: a 60W and a 240W USB-C cable.
According to the Apple Store, these cables are designed for charging iPhone 15 models, iPads, and Macs. They are also ideal for charging, syncing, and transferring data between USB-C devices.
While one is better at charging the previously mentioned devices, both can transfer data at two rates. Interestingly, While Apple added a USB-C part to all its iPhone 15 models, its Pro models are built differently.
The standard iPhone models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, could only handle data transfers over a cable at 480 Mbps, per CNET. As such, Apple customers buying these models should prepare to transfer data to and from these models with the speed of Apple's proprietary Lightning cable.
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Meanwhile, the Pro models, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, are equipped with the capability of transferring data over a cable at 10 Gbps. As a result, iPhone 15 Pro model users can enjoy USB 3 data transfer speeds instead of Lightning cable speeds.
Interestingly, MacRumors mentioned that Apple made its Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable available in a shorter one-meter size for $69 because of the iPhone 15 Pro models. Nevertheless, these cables are capable of fast-charging iPhone 15 models when paired with a compatible USB-C power adapter to charge them from a wall outlet.
Why Use Them
While Apple played favorites with the data transfer speeds of its iPhone 15 models, it didn't with the cables' charging capabilities. However, iPhone 15 users will do well to use these new cables, or at least MFi (made for iPhone) ones.
A Business Insider report citing an owner of mobile device repair shop iPad Rehab, Jessa Jones, said that using cables not from Apple (or approved by them) could fry their new iPhone 15s. Some USB-C cables and plug-ins, like chargers, can have fewer protections for their phones than Apple's.
For instance, cheap and/or knockoff chargers don't have a chip that acts as a fuse that isolates damage to the charger, explains NYT's Brian X. Chen. If a fluctuation happens, the chip will be damaged rather than the iPhone in question.
As such, iPhone 15 users are advised to use USB-C cables and chargers from Apple or the ones approved by it at the very least. They should also be careful where they plug their charger in - nobody knows when accidents can happen.
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