Render of the expected iPhone 15 Pro chassis design. (Source: AppleInsider)
Yet more leaked images of USB-C components for the iPhone 15 range appear to show that at least three models will have full Thunderbolt speeds.
If the long-running rumors that the iPhone 15 range would switch from Lightning to USB-C connectors weren't enough, then the EU demanding it happen soon should be. Apple is going to switch to USB-C for the iPhone, it is only a question of when — and now yet more evidence says it will be with the iPhone 15.
Following one apparently fake image of USB-C components, one more likely image, and then one seemingly likely leak, there is now more. According to ChargerLab, new component images reveal what's claimed to be a controller chip that indicates Thunderbolt/USB4.
"In addition to the revelation of the iPhone 15's port design, a mysterious IC is faintly visible behind the USB-C female socket," says the site. "Upon magnification, it becomes apparent that this IC is a Retimer chip."
"This suggests that multiple models within the iPhone 15 series will support Thunderbolt/USB4's high-speed 40Gbps data transmission," it continues.
ChargerLab has examined three leaked images and found the apparent Retimer chip on all of them. So it appears that at least three iPhone 15 models will get USB-C with Thunderbolt's 40Gbps high-speed data transmission capabilities.
If Apple again produces four models of iPhone, it's hard to see one that warrant failing to have the speed. Previously it had been rumored that Thunderbolt speeds would be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models.
