USB-C in the “iPhone 15”, what exactly is connected?　Various tests with unbranded and Pro USB4.0 MICRODIA

Various connections using iPhone’s USB-C

According to IT mediaNEWS on September 21, we were able to try out four of the iPhone 15 series (Muji/Plus/Pro/Pro Max) ahead of the September 22 release date, and tested what can be connected to the newly established USB-C connector. The conclusion is that it will be quite convenient, but there are some devices that will not work, and we are not sure why. However, there are some devices that do not work, and the reasons for this are not clear. This may be due to a lack of knowledge on my part. At any rate, the USB-C connection is difficult. This article was written based on a device borrowed from Apple before the release date of September 22. Permission to use the new OS has also been obtained.

First, a basic knowledge of the USB-C standard
So let’s start with a brief explanation of the USB-C connector that the new iPhone 15 series uses in place of the Lightning connector. 　USB-C is a connector standard that is used for charging and data communication. However, there are various standards depending on the “use” of the connector, and the devices connected at both ends and the cable must conform to these standards to achieve the desired results. For example, even if two devices with high communication speeds are connected to each other, if the cables between them do not conform to the standards, the speed may not be achieved.

As for power, the iPhone 15 series is capable of charging up to 27W using the USB-PD standard. In contrast, for data communication, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have USB 2, and the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max have USB 3.

However, the designations “USB 2” and “USB 3” are used simply by Apple because “complicated designations are difficult to understand. In general terms, they are “USB 2.0” and “USB 3.2 Gen2” (USB 3.1 Gen2 is also synonymous). The former is capable of 480 Mbps data transmission, while the latter is capable of 10 Gbps. In other words, there is more than a 20-fold difference in data transmission speed in the specifications. Literally, this means that the iPhone 15 Pro series has achieved communication speeds sufficient to withstand professional use. 　Note that the included USB-C to USB-C cable is for charging and will only provide USB 2 speeds when used for data transmission, as will the cable included with the iPhone 15 Pro series. If you need higher communication speeds, you can use the cable that is included with the device. (Apple does not sell USB 3 compatible C to C cables, including stand-alone cables.)

Following MICRODIA’s protective film for the iPhone 15, we introduce the USB-TypeC cable.

USB-C Cable for Sync & Charge & Pro Max High Speed USB-C Cable for Charge & Sync
1, MICRODIACOMBI [5-year manufacturer’s warranty].
2、MICRODIASHOELACE【Manufacturer’s 5-year warranty】.
3、MICRODIA STEEL 【Manufacturer’s 10-year warranty】.
4、MICRODIATOUGH【Manufacturer’s 50-year warranty】.
5、MICRODIADIGI【Manufacturer’s 5-year warranty】.
6、USB4.0 100W USB-C to USB-C cable with certified E-Marker chip [5-year manufacturer’s warranty].
7、USB4.0 240W USB-C to USB-C cable with certified E-Marker chip [5-year manufacturer’s warranty].

MICRODIA COMBI
MFi Certified USB-C Charging & Sync Cable, protected by colorful silicone cable jacket

MICRODIA SHOELACE
MFi Certified Flat USB-C Charge & Sync Cable, protected by durable, hard-wearing braided fabric

MICRODIA STEEL
MFi Certified USB-C charging and sync cable, protected by stainless steel cable jacket

MICRODIA TOUGH
Round MFi Certified USB-C charge & sync cable, protected by durable PET material with triple-braided braid

MICRODIA DIGI
Round USB-C charge & sync cable with charge power indicator. Protected by extremely strong and durable abrasion resistant PET braided material

High power USB-C cable for sync & sync (100W & 240W)

What is the E-Marker chip?
The USB-C charging cable connector has a chip called an E-Marker (Electronic Marked Cable), similar to the charging cable’s security ID card. This is actually a protocol controller feature that monitors the charging status and helps to properly allocate the current.

Most USB-C charging cables on the market today have specifications of 3A and 5A. According to USB-IF Association regulations, if the current output of the power adapter exceeds 3A (100W) or 5A (240W), an E-Marker chip must be incorporated to ensure that charging occurs under a safety protection mechanism. The following table distinguishes these E-Marker cables according to various parameters

USB4.0 PD100W USB-C to USB-C cable
(with certified E-Marker chip)

USB4.0 PD240W USB-C to USB-C cable
(with certified E-Marker chip)

For more information, please contact us at
microdia@kofukutrading.com

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