iPhone 15 is difficult to charge, and the USB-C standard is the culprit

On the iPhone 15 series released last year, Apple finally "actively" replaced the Lightning interface, bringing a "new" USB-C (Type-C) interface to the majority of iPhone users. Compared with the Lightning interface, USB-C has many advantages, such as higher transmission speed and higher power transmission capability. But more importantly, USB-C is a universal standard used across a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and external monitors, helping to reduce the variety and number of interfaces.

But unfortunately, the USB-C "one-line connection" situation only exists in ideal scenarios, and in reality USB-C will have some inexplicable problems when used.

Some time ago, the well-known self-media person Sanbiao (Sanbiao Longmenzhen) made a complaint in the circle of friends, which attracted Xiaolei’s attention:

"After a long-term and extensive visit and investigation, we found that: DiDi Taxi generally does not provide charging cables for iPhone 15 and above models. "

"The Didi Taxi masters buy this kind of three-pronged cable. Either it cannot be plugged in for charging, or it is loose when plugged in."

Picture source: Moments

If the iPhone cannot be charged, who should take the blame for the mobile phone and data cable?

It’s really annoying when your phone is almost out of battery and can’t be charged. As for Xiaolei’s few experiences riding Didi’s private cars, Didi drivers do also like to use three-in-one (Lightning, USB-C, MicroUSB) charging cables. Fortunately, Xiaolei happens to be able to use this "three-in-one" cable to charge his iPhone 15 Plus normally every time. Of course, Xiaolei's use of a special car is indeed an exception, so the cables provided by "Didi" can be used. Naturally, I dare not say such categorical words as "iPhone 15 charging".

Image source: JD.com

From a technical point of view, a theoretically usable data cable cannot charge a mobile phone. The reasons can be roughly divided into three categories: hardware failure, Software errors, protocol incompatibilities.

First of all, the hardware failure may occur with the USB-C cable, charger, or iPhone 15’s USB-C port. For example, it is very common for clothing fibers and dust to accumulate in the charging port, causing the data cable to be unable to be fully inserted.

The cost control of this all-in-one data cable itself is extremely strict, and it is not surprising that the internal wiring harness breaks after long-term pulling. As for the "looseness" situation, this is actually a direct reflection of the "cost control" of the data line. After all, the lifespan of all mechanical bayonet has the "number of uses" indicator. In the case of high-frequency plugging and unplugging like Didi's special car, it is understandable that problems will occur. It can only be said that the platform reminds the driver to replace it in time.

It is very rare that a software error prevents charging. Even if it does occur, most cases can be solved by "restarting".

Image source: Apple

As for the issue of compatibility, this is more complicated. Although USB-C is a standardized interface, there are still differences in compatibility between different devices and cables. Although the charging standard compatibility of the iPhone 15 series is already very good, even 5V500mA (which is one of the most basic USB charging powers defined by the USB organization) can trigger the charging handshake of the iPhone 15 series. But if there is a problem with the data cable itself, causing the end to fail to reach the basic output indicator of 5V500mA, it may indeed cause the phone to be unable to charge.

Of course, since Xiao Lei doesn’t take a special car that often, in my opinion, the most likely situation is that the other end of the charging cable is not stable, resulting in the inability to charge. Or if Apple had switched to a USB-C interface earlier, there would be no such "three-in-one" charging cable on the market. Drivers would only need to prepare a normal USB-C and everything would be fine, right?

Things are not that simple, USB-C also has its own problems.

Inconsistent standards are the main culprit for expensive Apple accessories

From the initial 30-pin interface, to the later beloved Lightning interface, to the latest USB-C interface, iPhone’s interface design experience underwent many changes. Each change not only marks technological progress, but also reflects Apple’s relentless pursuit of user experience. However, although the USB-C interface has been widely popularized, the inconsistency of its standards is still a problem that cannot be ignored.

The earliest iPhone used a 30-pin interface. This design was quite advanced at the time and could support multiple functions such as charging, data transmission, and audio output.

Image source: Apple

But with the development of technology, this interface has gradually become bulky and inconvenient. In 2012, Apple introduced the Lightning connector, a smaller, lighter, and easier-to-use design. The Lightning interface improves data transmission speed and charging efficiency, making the device thinner and lighter. However, Lightning’s closed nature has also caused a lot of controversy. Apple's strict control over the Lightning interface requires third-party accessory manufacturers to pay high MFi certification fees, which not only increases the cost of accessories, but also limits market diversity.

In this context, the USB-C interface has gradually become a common standard for electronic devices around the world. USB-C has many advantages such as reversible plugging, fast transmission speed, and high charging power, and is widely used in various smart devices.

Image source: Apple

In 2023, Apple finally adopted the USB-C interface on the iPhone 15 series, a move that was widely welcomed by users. The unification of interfaces between iPhone and other devices greatly facilitates users' daily use, especially those who use iPhone and Android devices at the same time.

However, despite the popularity of the USB-C interface, the different standards behind it have caused a lot of trouble for users. Different manufacturers use different technical specifications and protocols when implementing USB-C interfaces, resulting in compatibility issues between different devices for the same USB-C interface.

For example, some USB-C cables may only support data transfer but not charging, or only support low-power charging but not high-power fast charging. In addition, different devices support different transmission protocols, such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 and even the latest USB4. These differences will affect data transfer speed and charging efficiency.

This problem of different standards not only increases the complexity of users, but also affects the healthy development of the entire industry. With previous data lines, users did not need to distinguish what protocol was running behind the line or what standards were supported - as long as the interface shapes were consistent, they could be plugged in and used. Even if the maximum speed of CAT5/CAT6 network cables is different, at least the problem of "cannot be used" can be solved.

Image source: elecom

But USB-C is not like this. This "unified" interface unified the ports that can and cannot be used into the same shape. For example, Xiaolei’s 5K Thunderbolt monitor only supports Thunderbolt 3 cables. But when I was using it, I didn’t know whether the data cable with the lightning logo in my hand could run through until I saw the screen light up.

Therefore, calling for the unification of the USB-C standard has become a top priority. Specifically, the unified standard should cover data transmission protocols, charging power specifications, and compatibility requirements. Only with the joint efforts of all parties can USB-C truly "unify the world" and realize its due potential and value.

Different USB-Cs are very different. How do iPhone users choose?

So how should we, as consumers, choose the corresponding cables? Take the iPhone 15 charging just mentioned as an example. Users who are not short of money can’t go wrong buying Apple’s own cable. After all, many brands with private fast charging protocols can only activate their own chargers and data cables. Private fast charging.

However, as a supporter of PD fast charging, Apple does not have a so-called private fast charging protocol. Of course, the maximum charging speed of 27W is not even fast charging in the eyes of domestic users. However, because Apple uses the PD format, a data cable that can normally run up to PD30 and a corresponding charger can activate fast charging on the iPhone 15. Even so-called "low-speed cables" or customized cables that only support private fast charging formats can charge the iPhone at least 5W under normal working conditions.

However, considering special situations such as "unable to charge", Xiaolei still recommends that when purchasing a charger for the iPhone 15 series, just look for the "PD protocol" and "not less than 30W". Today's charging heads The prices are also very cheap. There is no need to spend four to five hundred yuan to buy the so-called original Apple charger.

As for how to choose the appropriate charging head and data cable, Xiaolei can briefly summarize it here:

For charging needs, it is first recommended that everyone buy a full-featured USB-C data cable. Currently, most of the data cables on the market that support the 100W PD protocol are between 30-100 yuan. Although the iPhone 15 does not run at 100W, the price difference between the current rated power of 100W and ordinary cables is not big, so it is a no-brainer to buy 100W PD. Just a data cable.

Image source: Xiaomi

As for the “all-in-one” data cable, considering the cost and workmanship, I really don’t recommend that you buy it.

If you also value transmission speed, you can give priority to the Thunderbolt 3/4 data cable, which can easily run the iPhone 15 Pro series and provide PD fast charging up to 100W. You can charge mobile phones, computers and other devices with one when you go out. Most of its prices are between 50-200 yuan, and you can buy it according to your own needs.

There is nothing much to say about the charging head. As long as the product page is marked "Support PD" and the power is not less than 30W, as for those netizens who say that Android chargers cannot fast charge the iPhone 15 series, Xiao Lei suggested to see if it supports the PD protocol, otherwise it will be in vain.

In general, every change from the 30-pin interface to the Lightning interface to the USB-C interface brings a better experience to users. However, with the popularity of USB-C interface, the problem of different standards has become increasingly prominent. Unifying the USB-C standard is not only a need for industry development, but also an inevitable choice to improve user experience. In the future, we look forward to seeing a more unified and compatible USB-C ecosystem that allows technology to better serve everyone.

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