In a world where a dying phone battery can spell disaster, Apple’s latest release, the iPhone 15, may have a solution. Unveiled at Apple’s annual Wonderlust event, this new model boasts a USB-C port, a departure from the Lightning port that has been standard on iPhones for over a decade.
Tech guru Marques Brownlee revealed a groundbreaking feature of the iPhone 15: when you connect an older iPhone with a Lightning port to the iPhone 15, the latter will generously share its battery power, regardless of its own battery level. This means your older iPhone can get a life-saving boost when needed.
Moreover, if you connect two iPhones, both equipped with USB-C ports, they engage in what Brownlee aptly terms a “handshake.” This digital handshake determines which device has the lower battery level, allowing the one with more power to act as a “battery bank” and transfer energy to the weaker device. In a test conducted by Insider, an iPhone 15 Pro charged an iPhone 13 Pro when connected, demonstrating this innovative feature.
Brownlee even explored the compatibility with Android devices. If the Android phone supports USB-PD (USB Power Delivery) and has more battery life than the iPhone 15, it will generously share its power with the iPhone. However, for devices lacking USB-PD support, results may vary.
The introduction of the USB-C connector in the iPhone 15 brings faster data transfer capabilities compared to previous USB versions. This change not only fulfills the wishes of Apple enthusiasts but also aligns with the European Union’s directive since 2020. The EU has legislated that all wired smartphone charging in the EU must use the universal USB-C port by fall 2024.
The iPhone 15 has redefined smartphone charging dynamics, offering a lifeline in moments of desperation. With its innovative features and commitment to global standards, it has set the stage for a future where you need never worry about a dead phone again.