It took the iPhone an eternity to chance on Lightning in party favor of the universal USB - speed of light interface . Now that it ’s here on all models , including the low - end 16e , many users still circumscribe its use to charging , overleap the plenty of other advantages it offers over Lightning . If you ’ve got an iPhone 15 or 16 manikin , you could flesh out the USB - atomic number 6 port ’s functionality beyond battery filling - ups , and we ’ve got a few musical theme to share .
1. Charge another device
Rival party , like Samsung , have long sustain rearward wireless charging , let users turn their smartphones into portable Qi pads . However , it ’s not all that virtual , forcing users to flip over over their phones and hand over both unserviceable . With the iPhone 15 and newer models , Apple introduced its own version that work via the USB - C embrasure .
Your iPhone can now deliver up to 4.5W of baron , let you charge your AirPods , Apple Watch , or even a Quaker ’s Android earpiece . To do so , merely plug your USB - C cable into the iPhone and the other conclusion into the USB - C port wine on the other gimmick .
2. Increase your storage
Even with 128 GB as the touchstone , we ’ve likely all come across the iPhone ’s full storage alert . While data stored in iCloud can easy be offloaded from the local storage , not all exploiter swear swarm warehousing . Fortunately , the iPhone 15 and 16 support a wide image of outside storage equipment , include USB sticks and concentrated drives . This gain it easy to free up space by moving large single file to a disjoined drive . To get protrude , connect a compatible blink of an eye drive to your iPhone using its USB - C port . you may then look at , contend , and transfer data using the built - in Files app .
One of the solid option out there is this tinySamsung Type - C Flash Drive , which supports veritable data file transfers and real - time ProRes video storage . As a Pro exclusive , those with the high-pitched - death iPhone 15 and 16 model can directly recordProRes videoto a compatible outside storage gimmick . Given the considerable size of raw footage , being able to write the data straight onto a disjoined twist can help you shoot for longer stop and avoid fill up up your iPhone ’s memory .
Your iPhone ’s USB - C cable can do more than just charge your iPhone .
Your iPhone’s USB-C cable can do more than just charge your iPhone.
Foundry
3. Connect a keyboard
While iPads and Macs are well suited for recollective - form typing , iPhones — specially the near-7 - inch Plus and Pro Max models — can still treat productiveness project effectively . To make the most of the comparatively pocket-sized screen , though , you may want to geminate it with a dedicated keyboard . Fortunately , iOS natively supports this through the USB - C larboard .
Most standard keyboards should work with your iPhone just ok . Or if you want to always have a keyboard with you , you may opt for aClicks case , which connects to your USB - C port so it ’s always ready for a text or e-mail .
4. Amplify your microphone
In the era of TikTok , everyone is a content creator , so a gamy - lineament mike is an essential tool . as luck would have it , your iPhone ’s USB - C port can endorse a wide range of them , allow you couple your footage with watch glass - clear high - timbre audio . One reliable option is theRode Wireless Micro , which utilize your iPhone ’s port wine while maintaining the convenience of wireless recording .
5. Add an SD card
With the right cable , you may connect your iPhone to any exhibit .
Willis Lai / Foundry
6. Hook up an external display
If you ’re staying at a hotel that blocks wireless media cast , you may be capable to mirror your iPhone ’s screen to the boob tube using a wired answer . Apple ’s USB - hundred Digital AV Multiport Adapter transforms your iPhone ’s charging port into anHDMI connector , allowing you to see 4 K substance on bigger display using a even HDMI cable television .
7. Plug in a game controller
Thanks to the A17 and A18 chips , the latest Pro - tier iPhones can lead some AAA games . Notably , though , these titles typically need a accountant , as mite controls do n’t always offer the secure gameplay if they ’re available at all . WhileSony ’s DualSense controllersupports Bluetooth pair off , prefer for the pumped fashion using the iPhone ’s USB - C port can minimize latency and enhance overall performance .
8. Connect to ethernet
Speaking of gaming , the iPhone 15 and 16 models in full support ethernet dongles , allowing for faster download and upload speeds . While Wi - Fi and 5 universal gravitational constant are sufficient for most users , Ethernet can come in handy when seeking an even more dependable link . Belkin ’s USB - C to Ethernet Adapteris one of the solid pick that is guaranteed to get the job done .
9. Do it all
The biggest hurt of the iPhone is that there ’s just one port , but a USB hub can give you much more . We recommend thePlugable 7 - in-1 USB - C Hub Multiport Adapter , which will bring a headphone shit , USB - 100 charging , HDMI , an SD card lecturer , ethernet , and even a brace of USB - A larboard for well measure . It ’s not exactly small , but if you need to apply several ports at once , there ’s no second-stringer .
Your iPhone ’s USB - C larboard is a multi - purpose connection for displays , hard drives , and other accessories .
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Your iPhone’s USB-C cable can do more than just charge your iPhone.
One port, many possibilities
While some of these functionalities were antecedently possible with Lightning iPhones , the shift to USB - C has greatly expanded the embrasure ’s capabilities . you’re able to now perform a extensive range of desktop - class tasks powerful from your smartphone , thanks to tethered accessories .
Perhaps the best part is that most USB - vitamin C accessories you ’ve been using with your iPad or Mac should mould with your iPhone 15 or 16 — eliminating the need for Lightning - to - USB - coulomb dongles . Whether Apple will stick in novel USB - coke upgrades with the iPhone 17 rest to be seen .
With the right cable, you can connect your iPhone to any display.
Your iPhone’s USB-C port is a multi-purpose connector for displays, hard drives, and other accessories.
