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iPhone 15’s new USB-C port unlocks robust support for external displays

iPhone 15’s new USB-C port unlocks a number of new features, including the ability to charge other accessories like AirPods and Apple Watch. In a new support document, Apple also explains that iPhone 15’s USB-C port allows you to connect your iPhone to external displays as well.

As shared by Aaron on Twitter, Apple has published a new support document with details on the iPhone 15’s new USB-C port. Explained in the support document is how the iPhone 15 can connect to external displays. “You can connect your iPhone to external displays using the USB-C connector so that you can watch video, see photos, and more on a larger screen,” Apple explains.

The USB-C port on every iPhone 15 model uses the DisplayPort protocol to support USB-C displays. To connect your iPhone 15 to a high-resolution display, Apple says you’ll have to use a USB-C cable that supports USB 3.1 or higher. The cable included with all iPhone 15 models only supports USB 2, but you can buy a USB 3.1 cable separately.

With a compatible cable, every iPhone 15 supports connections to USB-C at up to 4K resolution with 60Hz refresh rates. Furthermore, the iPhone 15 also supports HDR displays connected via USB-C. Apple explains:

You can switch between SDR and HDR modes by going to Settings > Display & Brightness and selecting your connected display. iPhone matches the frame rate and dynamic range of currently playing content when you turn on Allow Display Mode Changes.

With a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable, Apple says you can connect your iPhone 15 to an HDMI display or TV with support for 4K resolution and 60Hz.

Top comment by ted

Liked by 4 people

No need to bring my lightning to HDMI dongle anymore. I can just use my USB-C to HDMI cable for BOTH iPad and iPhone (would also include Mac here while the new MBP already has the HDMI port). And! I can now finally connect the iPhone to my USB-C thunderbolt displays - the Apple Studio Display and LG UltraFine 5K. Before that, I had to AirPlay the iPhone to my MacBook that is connected to these displays.

This is simply better.

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Finally, Apple has also confirmed that the iPhone 15 is compatible with its USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. Using this adapter, you can output video from your iPhone at up to 4K resolution and 60Hz, including content in HDR10 or Dolby Vision if your display or TV supports HDR.

When you connect your iPhone to an external display, you can choose to mirror the iPhone’s interface and also see video and photos on a larger screen.

This is just one of many benefits unlocked by the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro’s switch to USB-C. You can also charge other devices, unlock higher transfer speeds on iPhone 15 Pro, and more.

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Author

Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is an editor for the entire 9to5 network and covers the latest Apple news for 9to5Mac.

Tips, questions, typos to chance@9to5mac.com

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