APPLE

iPhone 15: USB-C port of the unprecedented gadget with the same limitations as Lightning

The iPhone 15 line's USB-C port and charging cables will feature an authentication chip similar to that found in Lightning, which could limit its functionality with non-Apple-approved accessories.

According to the latest rumors, Apple has developed its own USB-C variant for the ‌iPhone 15‌ lineup to verify compatible accessories.

Integrated circuit (IC) interfaces are semiconductor chips used to manage information sharing between devices. Since their introduction in 2012, Apple's Lightning and MFi certified ports and connectors have contained a small integrated circuit that confirms the authenticity of the parts involved in the connection. Non-MFi-certified third-party charging cables, for example, lack this chip, often resulting in a “This accessory is not compatible” warning on connected Apple devices.

A kind of authentication system (IC chip) that allows Apple to encourage its customers to buy certified or genuine iPhone peripherals and receive a commission on MFi certified accessories. Also, in this way, Apple limits the spread of counterfeit and potentially dangerous accessories.

Apple would then develop a custom lightning bolt-like IC for USB-C ports on the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, as well as for their charging cables. In addition to the ‌iPhone 15‌ range, the new integrated circuit will also be used for new MFi-certified peripherals.

It is noteworthy that the USB-C interface currently used by Apple on the 10th generation iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro does not contain an IC chip for authentication, which means that the iPhone's would be the company's absolute first.

by: Giuseppe Migliorino