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Iphone Networking Apple Technology

iPhone 15 Models Support USB-C to Ethernet for Faster Internet Speeds 80

Posted by msmash from the how-about-that dept.
An anonymous reader shares a report: Following the launch of the iPhone 15 series today, a few readers of our website have reached out to highlight that the devices support USB-C to Ethernet adapters, allowing for a wired internet connection with faster download speeds than Wi-Fi. Apple confirmed this information in a support document last week, with USB to Ethernet adapters listed as compatible with iPhone 15 models. When an iPhone is connected to an Ethernet cable, an otherwise hidden Ethernet menu appears in the Settings app with IP-related information and various configuration options.
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iPhone 15 Models Support USB-C to Ethernet for Faster Internet Speeds More

iPhone 15 Models Support USB-C to Ethernet for Faster Internet Speeds

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  • Android? (Score:3, Insightful)

    by CohibaVancouver ( 864662 ) on Monday September 25, 2023 @12:08PM (#63875575)
    I've had this on my Android Samsung phones for some time.

    Never occurred to me that iPhone users didn't have this option.

    TIL.

    • Re:Android? (Score:5, Informative)

      by guruevi ( 827432 ) on Monday September 25, 2023 @12:18PM (#63875611)

      iPhone lightning was USB as well and pre-dated USB-C in its reversibleness. iPhone is based on Unix so it has always supported Ethernet, you just needed an adapter, it has had Ethernet support since the very beginning.

      Here is a 10-year old article discussing the 'hack': https://9to5mac.com/2014/01/10... [9to5mac.com]

      Also, did you know it natively supports TTY over serial ports, I've been able to get serial ports on your iPhone since the 30-pin connector days, a lot more interesting for servers in the datacenter than an Ethernet adapter.

      • So the article is BS and some dimwit just found out it works and thought it was something new.

        • Re: (Score:3)

          by Shakrai ( 717556 )

          So the article is BS and some dimwit just needed some clickbait content for ad revenue

          FIFY

        • While the article might be BS about this being new, it does highlight a functionality many people werenâ(TM)t aware of. Because people can use regular off the shelf adapters, it is likely easier to leverage?

          • He never, ever stated this was new functionality, and even pointed out that previous iPhones had this function.

          • Because people can use regular off the shelf adapters, it is likely easier to leverage?

            Using a USB-A to Ethernet adapter with Lightning ports was always fairly trivial since it needed only the "USB camera adapter" to function. Calling it a "camera adapter" is perhaps a bit odd but I guess it's so people with photos on a USB-A device know to use that for loading photos into their iProduct. There's an SD adapter but no "camera" in the name, which is odd since most cameras would use SD for photos than USB-A

            Using a USB-A to Ethernet adapter on an iProduct with USB-C would also require a USB-A a

        • At no point anywhere did the 'dimwit' say this was new. In fact, if you RTFA (yeah, I know), he specifically states:

          While this is one of the various clever ways that the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 models can be used, it should be known that previous iPhones with the Lightning connector also supported Ethernet with an adapter. Nevertheless, we have decided to highlight this information as a helpful tip since it is getting attention.

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

        This is the first time you don't need a dongle though.

        Does the iPhone USB C support video? That's a handy feature in Android. HDMI over USB C.

        • Re: (Score:3)

          by guruevi ( 827432 )

          Whatdayamean you don't need a dongle? You can't go from USB-C straight to Ethernet without a dongle. Both 30-pin were and lightning Ethernet dongles still are available on Amazon for like $15-20, some integrate additional features. Android phones are really hit and miss whether they support certain accessories.

          USB-C, Lightning and 30-pin have all supported video, again, the iOS ecosystem going back decades before this was even a thing in Android-land, hell, the 30-pin adapter had video out from the iPod era

          • Re: (Score:2)

            by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

            Lightning doesn't support video. The Apple dongle has a little system-on-chip in it, that boots to a VNC server. The phone talks to the server, the SoC has HDMI...

            I should have said, this is the first time you don't need TWO dongles. One from lighting to USB, and another from USB to ethernet.

            On Android you might need as passive adapter from USB C to USB A, but you can get USB C to ethernet dongles if your other devices have USB C too. That's what I do.

            • No, it doesn't use VNC. That would be incredibly stupid and wouldn't support video or protected content. It is sent as an H.264 video stream to the SoC.

            • Re: (Score:2)

              by guruevi ( 827432 )

              There are third party lightning -> video and third party lightning -> ethernet, so it doesn't boot a VNC server and you don't need a USB-lightning adapter.

              There are non-HDMI options out there as well and you can actually, with the lightning to USB adapter implement bi-directional video so you can use the iPad as a second screen. The 30-pin layout implements Firewire, USB, analog audio and S-Video signaling.

              Yes, you CAN use a USB->lightning adapter to plug in any random USB ethernet port, but that's

      • I've used Redpark 30 pin and lightning to RJ45 console cables for years. Handy for making quick config changes on Cisco devices. Would not want to do a whole config from scratch that way though.

        https://redpark.com/products/s... [redpark.com]

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by mjwx ( 966435 )

      I've had this on my Android Samsung phones for some time.

      Never occurred to me that iPhone users didn't have this option.

      TIL.

      I've always said, if you want to know what Apple will be doing in a few years, look at some of the things you can do on Android now.

    • Never occurred to me that iPhone users didn't have this option.

      As others have noted, the technical capability has indeed existed in Apple's mobile OS from the very beginning -- which shouldn't be particularly surprising, since iOS is in many ways simply a slimmed down and repurposed version of macOS (nay, BSD Unix). The perceived shortcoming of previous generation iPhones could perhaps be more readily viewed as a lack of awareness that hardware support was even available: there just weren't many obvious use cases for Lightning to Ethernet adapters, so therefore they we

  • Are people really pumping that much data into or out of their phones that this is necessary?

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by keltor ( 99721 ) *
      It can be useful sometimes in situations. I've used it since the 30 pin days. It's nothing new though. For all I know it's been there since the original iPhone.

      • It can be useful sometimes in situations. I've used it since the 30 pin days. It's nothing new though. For all I know it's been there since the original iPhone.

        So...what are the actual, practical use cases for this?

        I mean...what would someone use an iPhone (or any phone) for that needed so much data flow on a wired ethernet connection?

        I mean, if I'm somewhere with a wired connection, and I need it, I'd be using a real computer with keyboard, hard drives, and a MUCH Larger monitor to see what all I was d

        • Might not be about data flow but lack of reliable wifi at all. Think of bad hotel wifi, or just being at someone's place where they have wired internet but don't have a good wireless access point. It's pretty niche, but if you know you're consistently going to be in that sort of situation, I can understand grabbing this adaptor.

          • Might not be about data flow but lack of reliable wifi at all. Think of bad hotel wifi, or just being at someone's place where they have wired internet but don't have a good wireless access point. It's pretty niche, but if you know you're consistently going to be in that sort of situation, I can understand grabbing this adaptor.

            Cellular isn't an option?

            I figure WiFi is mostly for when Cellular isn't an option....I guess if you lose both, but that seems really niche.

        • Re: (Score:2)

          by Shakrai ( 717556 )

          So...what are the actual, practical use cases for this?

          Ethernet to Ethernet Switch, multiple PCs hard-wired into that switch for HotSpot access. Alternatively, Ethernet to Consumer Router, multiple devices behind that router, including on Wi-Fi.

          There were times in my life when I could not maintain wireline internet for one reason or another, usually because I was broke, and my de-facto unlimited (not really but it was trivial to bypass restrictions back in the day) Verizon HotSpot saved me.

          • When testing different iPhone models with Lightning on using Ethernet connection for a hot spot it didn't work. There's no setting to turn it on and the little hot spot how-to on the iPhone makes no mention of Ethernet as an option. They mention USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth as options, not Ethernet. Ethernet works fine if plugging in to a router for internet access, which can be useful for a number of things. If the iPhone 15 supports hot spot connections by Ethernet then I will be pleasantly surprised.

        • Actual practical uses? Steve Jobs once had issues demoing iPhone software because everyone in the convention center had their own Wi-Fi hotspot and the network congestion led to everyone having garbage connections. You can find it on YouTube, itâ(TM)s actually interesting to watch him adlib when things donâ(TM)t go right. The next day he told the software team to put wired ethernet into the iPhone. And it has been that way ever since.

    • Are people really pumping that much data into or out of their phones that this is necessary?

      With iPhones maxing out at a TB of storage, it can make full backup and restore faster (either local device or cloud).

      I've not used it otherwise though I have to admit, but I'm not a phone gamer... if you were a dedicated phone gamer and needed a low latency, this could help... to me it seems like that would be a tiny number of people but I would not underestimate anything to do with phones anymore.

      • iPhone 11 would do 750 Mbps over WiFi, years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?... [youtube.com]
        By now they'd be more capable for sure, the routers too.
        Also aren't the regular 15s (not Pro Max) only USB2?

        • Also aren't the regular 15s (not Pro Max) only USB2?

          Yes that is true, up until now iPhones were all USB2...

          I think all 15 Pros are USB3, not just the Max.

          Even with USB2 it can increase speeds to attach I think as the iPhone can multiplex data over both WiFi and ethernet at the same time.

          iPhone 11 would do 750 Mbps over WiFi, years ago

          Also while the phone might be able too do this, how many people have WiFi routers that are really high speed?

          • I guess people making local backups of their latest 1TB iPhone could afford a 4 years old router at least?

            • I guess people making local backups of their latest 1TB iPhone could afford a 4 years old router at least?

              They could but how often do most people change routers? Or think about doing so? For anyone non-technical they would simply never bother.

              • They wouldn't get a better router over the last years but use wired Ethernet via a dongle on their iPhone. Seriously.

                • They wouldn't get a better router over the last years but use wired Ethernet via a dongle on their iPhone. Seriously.

                  No, they'd hook a device up to a laptop via standard charging cable (which I use every day) and the network activates automatically. At least that's how I've done it.

                  I bought a Lightning to Ethernet adaptor long ago, never used it.

                  • But this isn't "USB-C to Ethernet for Faster Internet Speeds" which is discussed here, isn't it? That's a regular USB host-client connection, MTP or similar. Sure, it's welcome that some of the newer iPhones do USB3 now but that's old news.

                    • Yes but remember I am talking about backups to local devices here, so what matters is transport speed to the laptop from the phone - which is improved by USB-3 support on the phone.

          • Yes that is true, up until now iPhones were all USB2...

            Not true. Apple offers a USB 3.0 adapter for Lighting iProducts, though it might not reach the full specified speed of USB 3.0, but still a big leap over USB 2.0.

    • Maybe people are starting to use it in a dockingstation as a desktopcomputer.

    • Re: (Score:1)

      by Anonymous Coward

      Yes, backups.

    • It's not always about speeds. I use my Android for field configuration of devices using ethernet. Beats having to carry around a laptop, though a 12" Lenovo Yoga will work in some tight spaces.

      • Your use makes way more sense than higher speed.

        I'm good with the idea phones can do this because maybe you're in a bad cell area but otherwise speed isn't a great reason. It is nice to see someone with a real world use for it on a regular basis and it's not just another random checkbox feature we all pay for but no one uses.

    • If I need my PC and the cable network is down, then the Lightning/USBC to network connection can be useful to get to the Personal Hotspot. Though the wireless interface has been good enough, though the USBC connection on the Pro may provide better connectivity.

      I doubt there is a need for the faster connection at that that time. The wireless is good enough.

      The issue is that if you have the personal hotspot enabled, every time you sync the phone with the PC (After re-entering the iTunes password twice just

      • Have you ever really used an iPhone because it doesn't sound like you have?

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by Shakrai ( 717556 )

        What you view as an 'inconvenience' is a security measure meant to protect the unwashed masses against juice jacking [wikipedia.org]. If you can trick a phone user into authorizing your device you've got complete ownership of their digital life.

        Apple isn't making sync'ing any more inconvenient than it has always been. I used it as my primary backup until they got full end-to-end in iCloud. It takes less than 30 seconds to kick off a local backup with current MacOS and perhaps an extra 60 if you're still using iTunes on

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by Chaset ( 552418 )

      It's not so much the data rate but the reliability.
      There is a corner of my house, where a family member has her desk, with a poor wifi signal. Computer is normally hooked up to the ethernet cable. She took an online course that required the use of an iOS app, and it wouldn't work reliably without an internet connection. (note that not all iOS devices have cellular data, and not everyone opts into an unlimited data plan.) Easiest solution was to use a wired ethernet adapter with the iOS device.

      As others

  • Kiosk devices (Score:3)

    by WarJolt ( 990309 ) on Monday September 25, 2023 @01:06PM (#63875733)

    This is useful for people who use iOS devices as Kiosks or POS devices. Hardwired devices are easier to manage if wifi credentials must be rotated per some security policy.

    • Re: (Score:3)

      by guruevi ( 827432 )

      iPad with PoE ethernet adapters have been a thing for well over a decade now. All those iOS-based wall mount and PoS systems you see EVERYWHERE, are all Ethernet+PoE, which has been a thing since before USB-C even existed.

      • The captive devices used to get wrecked by battery expansion from never discharging. It's sad when you see a buildings worth of iPad's getting bloated and distorted from a self destructive battery.

        Wi-Fi for captive devices was totally frustrating too. No real acknowledgement from Apple about the small tweaks necessary to keep the cost of managing a kiosk device.

        • Pixel devices stop charging at about 80% if they are continuously charging for days on end. I'm not sure if iOS devices protect batteries in the same fashion.

          • Pixel devices stop charging at about 80% if they are continuously charging for days on end. I'm not sure if iOS devices protect batteries in the same fashion.

            There's settings in iOS devices for this. It's apparently called "optimized battery charging". The OS tracks battery usage and so will avoid the added wear of charging to 100% if it doesn't see discharging to low charge levels often. There's a "low power mode" too to protect the battery from too much power draw when battery charge is low.

  • Wireless phone can switch from wireless internet to cable.

  • Not New (Score:3, Informative)

    by Saucy7443 ( 10437212 ) on Monday September 25, 2023 @01:30PM (#63875829) Homepage
    two points. 1. this isn't new, I mean it's great you can do the thing, but it's not new. 2. apple is still pushing out of the box usb-c at a top speed of 480mbps... yes the pro has usb-c 3.0 with up to 10 gbps, but ship it with a 2.0 cable. I personally find it so frustrating how gated manufacturers of everything have become, just trying to get extra pennies with palms out; and no this isn't just an apple thing, but I would be thrilled if they would take the lead and stop doing it.

  • But, download to what? A phone? What's massive enough or high volume enough to warrant this? Especially as wifi has become markedly faster and more dependable?

    I honestly can't see an application for this.

    • But, download to what? A phone? What's massive enough or high volume enough to warrant this? Especially as wifi has become markedly faster and more dependable?

      I honestly can't see an application for this.

      AS I said in another post, some High end phone users treat their phones as their only 4K film camera, or as their only advanced photo cameras (i.e. they store the photos as RAW files). Being able to download from your phone directly to your NAS over a much more reliable than WiFi ethernet connection is a godsend for those people.

      There you have one application, I am certain the other people on /. can give you more.

    • Raw photos and videos are the first thing that come to mind.

    • It can be handy if your phone includes a desktop mode and you intend to connect it to a USB-C hub or docking station.

      I use a Dell WD15 USB-C docking station, which includes a Gigabit Ethernet port, on occasion with my Galaxy S10e phone when I need to do stuff that is better done with a keyboard, mouse, and large monitor. My S10e can also mount external USB drives, so there are times when I am dealing with rather large files.

    • Doing a whole-phone cloud backup
      Initial setup syncing a large iCloud library
      Syncing a large photo or video library when off-line for a while
      Moving large field recordings off an iPhone (there are pro recording apps that sync to desktop apps for track mastering)

      There are also corner cases where you could be in a zero-wifi space but still need to sync stuff.

  • Just an FYI for those who think this is new; it's not. Lightning iPhones also support USB ethernet adapters either through Apple's camera kit cable or through 3rd party devices purpose made (and also sold directly by Apple)

  • This way one can dump those massive 4K films and RAW pictures from the iPhone to the NAS without tying a/your computer as an intermediary.

    But then again, I have an android, but my iPhone using friends will have a field day.

    Overall "good news everyone!"

  • Why would anyone run a phone or a tablet on a hardwired Ethernet connection? I know people who claim to be "electrosensitive," like the tinfoil-house brother in Better call Saul, who are willing to do whatever it takes to run their phones and tablets on Ethernet, not WiFi. This includes turning off the cellular function on their phones; any talking they do is over the wired link.

  • Does anyone know if it can be charged via Power Over Ethernet?

    • Does anyone know if it can be charged via Power Over Ethernet?

      I would expect that's more a matter of finding the right Ethernet adapter than any thing the iPhone has to do. It would seem odd to me that I could use an Apple "multiport adapter" for power and Ethernet but not some power-over-Ethernet adapter.
      https://www.apple.com/shop/pro... [apple.com]

  • ...both me and the article's author. When I first got an iPhone wired ethernet was something I was sorely disappointed to find wasn't available, as my previous pocket toys had it. But I quickly got used to it not being an option, and haven't missed it.

    I totally did not realize it was added at some point, and only because of this article did I grab a USB-C ethernet adapter out of my bag (I use it with a MacBook) and give it a shot with my new 15 pro. It works, using the cheapo Anker one I had handy. Still

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