Since Apple introduced the Lightning connector in 2012, it has been the standard across all our iPhones. However, there have been a substantial number of leaks and other sources suggesting that we will witness a significant change in the iPhone 15 with the arrival of the USB-C connector.
But that’s not all. The USB-C connector refers to just one form of the connector; within it, various standards with different capabilities can coexist. And one of those standards, according to rumors, could be Thunderbolt, which might make its way to some of this year’s iPhone models.
According to ChargerLab, there is a possibility that the new iPhone models could come equipped with a technology that was previously reserved for more robust devices like the iPad Pro: Thunderbolt. But what exactly is it, and what could it represent for future iPhones?
Thunderbolt: What is it?
Thunderbolt is a connection standard that combines PCI Express data transmission and DisplayPort into a single cable. Originally co-developed by Intel and Apple, it has gone through several revisions. With the latest iteration, Thunderbolt 4, cables and connectors utilizing this technology are providing transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps. These speeds significantly surpass those of the standard USB and even Apple’s Lightning connector.
Recent leaks show in images an essential component for this transition: a retimer chip. This small integrated circuit has a vital function, as it reconstructs signals and mitigates interference, known as jitter. By doing so, it ensures stability in signal transmission for high-capacity ports and extends transmission ranges. This chip is already found in other Thunderbolt/USB 4 devices, and is the main indicator that Apple might be incorporating Thunderbolt into the iPhone 15.
What does the arrival of Thunderbolt on the iPhone 15 represent?
If ChargerLab is correct, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models indeed come with USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt data transfer speeds, this would mark a revolution in this year’s phone lineup.
A conventional USB-C cable, like the ones already present in some iPads, reaches speeds of 480 Mbps. Meanwhile, as we’ve mentioned, Thunderbolt technology reaches up to 40 Gbps. This astounding leap would usher in new possibilities for the iPhone.
These possibilities would be especially prominent in data transmission. Given that iPhone cameras now feature 48 MP sensors and the quality of both video and images is constantly improving, file sizes are progressively increasing. This is especially true when recording in ProRes or ProRAW, resulting in massive files. Now, these files could be transferred to our iPad or Mac for post-production in the blink of an eye.
On the other hand, it’s interesting to note that, according to the same leaks, while the Pro models might enjoy these ultra-fast speeds, the standard iPhone 15 models would continue to offer USB 2.0 speeds, similar to the current Lightning connector. This aligns precisely with the photographic capabilities across different iPhone tiers.
In any case, the inclusion of Thunderbolt in the iPhone 15 would signify a significant leap in terms of performance and functionality. Professionals relying on rapid transfer speeds, such as photographers, videographers, and designers, would find an even more powerful tool in the iPhone. The ability to transfer large amounts of data in seconds could transform the iPhone into an even more essential work tool for all of us.
While there’s no official confirmation yet and we’re discussing rumors, the possibility of the iPhone 15 models being equipped with Thunderbolt technology is indeed noteworthy. If it comes to fruition, something we’ll have to wait just under a month to confirm, we could soon enjoy unimaginable transfer speeds. Clearly, this is very promising news in every sense.
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