Apple recently unveiled its new iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch Series 10, new Titanium Black Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods 4 models, and updated AirPods Pro Max. It was a star-studded event showcasing significant upgrades across all products. The new iPhone 16 boasts impressive enhancements, including the latest A18 & A18 Pro chipsets, an improved 48MP Fusion Camera, and a brand-new Camera Control feature. While these upgrades seem fantastic, there is a concerning downside: the USB-C port on the iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus is still limited to outdated USB 2 speeds.
Disappointing USB 2 Speeds on iPhone 16
Despite the sleek design and high-end features, Apple has not improved the connectivity speeds with the USB-C port on the iPhone 16 models. Last year, with the iPhone 15 series, Apple finally transitioned from the Lightning connector, which they had relied on since 2012. However, this change was more about compliance with the EU’s regulations than a genuine upgrade, as the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 series only supported USB 2.0 speeds—an outdated standard that dates back over two decades.
The iPhone 15 Pro models did offer better performance, supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 transfer speeds up to 10GB/s. Given the substantial upgrades seen in the iPhone 16, it was reasonable to expect that Apple would extend these faster speeds to the entire lineup. Unfortunately, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are stuck with the same USB 2 transfer speeds of up to 480Mb/s, a speed that is identical to what was available with the old Lightning connector.
New A18 Chipset But No Improvements in Connectivity Speeds
This year, Apple introduced the iPhone 16 with a brand-new A18 chipset after using the previous generation’s SoC in basic models for two years. However, the company has not upgraded the USB controller to match the new chipset's capabilities. This oversight may stem from Apple's focus on promoting its new Apple Intelligence features, which are still partially available. Sadly, this decision appears to be more about cost-cutting than providing users with the latest technology.
In addition, many other Apple devices, such as AirPods Pro 2 and various iPad models, have successfully adopted high-speed USB standards. At the iPhone 16 launch event, Apple introduced AirPods 4 models with USB-C connectors and updated the AirPods Max to include USB-C. However, only the standard iPad remains limited to USB 2.0 speeds due to its older chipset, while the iPad Mini and iPad Air have already upgraded to faster USB standards.
Apple's Slow Transition to Modern Connectivity
In an era where most devices have transitioned to high-speed USB, Apple's choice to stick with outdated USB 2 speeds for the iPhone 16 is puzzling. This decision raises questions about the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology, especially when considering that even budget Android phones now support USB 3 speeds. As consumers increasingly rely on faster data transfers, it’s disappointing to see Apple lagging behind in this aspect.
- Apple's iPhone 16 series features significant upgrades, but USB speeds remain a concern.
- The shift to USB-C was more about compliance with EU regulations than an upgrade in technology.
- The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are limited to USB 2 speeds, matching the old Lightning connector.
- Other Apple products have already embraced higher USB speeds, highlighting a disconnect in iPhone technology.
Ultimately, it seems that Apple may require more time to fully embrace modern connectivity standards in its iPhone lineup. A 20-year-old connector on a new $800 device feels out of place, especially when competitors are offering faster options. If Apple can transition to USB 3 speeds in future models, it may just win back the love and admiration of its devoted user base.
What are your thoughts on the new iPhone 16 and 16 Plus? Did the latest features impress you, or are you disappointed with the USB speed situation? Share your opinions in the comments below!
