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It took the iPhone an eternity to strike Lightning in favor of the universal USB-C port. Now that it’s here on all models, including the low-end 16e, many users still limit its use to charging, overlooking the slew of other advantages it offers over Lightning. If you’ve got an iPhone 15 or 16 model, you can expand the USB-C port’s functionality beyond battery fill-ups, and we’ve got a few ideas to share.
1. Charge another device
Competing firms such as Samsung have been offering reverse wireless charging for quite some time now, allowing people to use their smartphones as mobile Qi chargers. Nevertheless, this feature isn’t very convenient since it requires flipping your phone over, making both devices impractical to use. In contrast, with the release of the iPhone 15 and subsequent models, Apple has implemented its take on this technology through the USB-C port.
Your iPhone is now capable of delivering up to 4.5W of power, enabling you to recharge your AirPods, Apple Watch, or even an acquaintance’s Android smartphone. Just connect one end of a USB-C cable to the iPhone and the opposite end to the USB-C port on the secondary device.
2. Increase your storage
Despite having 128GB as the norm, most of us have encountered the iPhone’s full-storage warning at some point. Although information kept in iCloud can swiftly be removed from internal storage, not everyone feels secure about storing their data online. Luckily, both the iPhone 15 and 16 accommodate an extensive selection of external storage options such as USB sticks and portable hard drives. By doing so, you can clear out space effortlessly by shifting big files onto another device. Simply plug a suitable thumb drive into your iPhone via its USB-C connector to begin. From there, you’ll be able to browse, organize, and move content through the native Files application.
One reliable choice available is this compact option. Samsung Type-C Flash Drive , which facilitates standard file transfers and real-time ProRes video storage. Exclusive for Pros, individuals using the top-tier iPhone 15 and 16 models have the capability to directly record. ProRes video To a compatible external storage device. Considering the large volume of unedited video content, having the ability to save the data immediately onto an independent unit allows you to record for extended durations without using up your iPhone’s internal storage space.
Foundry
3. Connect a keyboard
While iPads and Macs are better suited for long-form typing, iPhones—especially the near-7-inch Plus and Pro Max models—can still handle productivity tasks effectively. To make the most of the relatively small screen, though, you may want to pair it with a dedicated keyboard. Fortunately, iOS natively supports this through the USB-C port.
Most regular keyboards ought to function well with your iPhone. Alternatively, if you prefer having a keyboard at hand all the time, consider getting one. Clicks case , which hooks up to your USB-C port ensuring it’s always prepared for a text or email.
4. Amplify your microphone
In the age of TikTok, where everybody is a content creator, having a top-notch microphone becomes crucial. Luckily, your iPhone’s USB-C port accommodates numerous microphones, enabling you to match your video recordings with pristine sound quality. A dependable choice would be the Rode Wireless Micro , which uses your iPhone’s port but still offers the ease of wireless recording.
5. Insert an SD card
Photographers and videographers appreciate the convenient SD card slots available on the latest MacBook Pro and Mac Studio models; however, this feature isn't available on the devices they use for capturing photos and videos. Thankfully, you can solve this issue quickly with a simple wired SD card reader. Although modern cameras often allow wireless transfer through dedicated applications, these methods tend to be less efficient compared to using a physical connection. Apple’s USB-C to SD Card Adapter plugs into your iPhone via the charging port and is compatible with various SD cards. This adapter can also be used with your Mac or iPad for editing on a bigger display.
Willis Lai / Foundry
6. Connect an external monitor
If you’re staying at a hotel that blocks wireless media casting, you may be able to mirror your iPhone’s screen to the TV using a wired solution. Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter transforms your iPhone’s charging port into an The HDMI connection enables you to view 4K content on larger screens with the help of an ordinary HDMI cord.
7. Connect a gaming joystick
Thanks to the A17 and A18 chips, the newest top-of-the-line iPhones have the capability to play certain high-end console-quality games. However, it’s worth noting that for many of these titles, using a game controller is often recommended since touch controls may not provide an optimal gaming experience—or might even be absent altogether. Sony’s DualSense controller Enables Bluetooth pairing; however, choosing the wired connection via the iPhone’s USB-C port can reduce latency and improve general performance.
8. Connect to ethernet
When discussing gaming, both the iPhone 15 and 16 series completely support ethernet adapters, which enable quicker data transfer rates for downloads and uploads. Although Wi-Fi and 5G typically suffice for average users, Ethernet offers a notably steadier connection option, particularly beneficial for those requiring enhanced reliability. Belkin’s USB-C to Ethernet Connector is among the reliable choices that will surely accomplish the task.
9. Do it all
The biggest detriment of the iPhone is that there’s just one port, but a USB hub can give you much more. We recommend the Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C Hub Adapter This version will include a headphone jack, USB-C charging, HDMI port, an SD card slot, Ethernet connectivity, and additionally a few USB-A ports for extra convenience. Though it isn’t compact, if you require multiple connections simultaneously, nothing else can replace it.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
One port, many possibilities
Although certain features were available on Lightning-equipped iPhones, the transition to USB-C has significantly enhanced the connector’s abilities. With the use of compatible peripherals, you can now execute numerous desktop-level operations directly from your mobile device through a wired connection.
One of the nicest aspects might be that many of the USB-C accessories you've been utilizing with your iPad or Mac ought to function with your iPhone 15 or 16, thus eliminating the requirement for Lightning-to-USB-C adapters. It’s still uncertain whether Apple plans to roll out fresh USB-C enhancements when they release the iPhone 17.
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