Apple’s iPhone Air Ships with USB 2 Speeds Despite USB-C Port
Apple’s upcoming iPhone Air is making headlines for its ultra-thin design and modern features, but there’s one surprising limitation: the device still relies on USB 2 transfer speeds.
According to Apple’s official specs, the iPhone Air includes a USB-C port, but it only supports USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480Mbps. This means users won’t see the high-speed data transfer that many had hoped for, even though the connector has switched to USB-C.
USB 2 Returns on Base Models
The decision mirrors Apple’s approach with the iPhone 15 lineup, where only the Pro models supported USB 3. With the new releases, both the iPhone Air and the standard iPhone 17 are capped at USB 2 speeds. For significantly faster transfers—up to 10Gbps with USB 3—consumers will need to upgrade to the iPhone 17 Pro series.
It’s worth noting that Apple typically ships a USB-C cable limited to USB 2 speeds in the box. Users seeking the full 10Gbps potential on Pro models will need to purchase a USB 3-capable cable separately.
Connectivity Upgrades: Bluetooth 6 and Wi-Fi 7
Despite the USB limitation, Apple is upgrading wireless connectivity across all three iPhone models. Each device now supports Bluetooth 6, offering lower latency, better power efficiency, and improved battery performance compared to Bluetooth 5.3.
Additionally, the new iPhones continue support for Wi-Fi 7, first introduced in last year’s iPhone 16. To fully benefit, users will need both a Wi-Fi 7 router and a compatible high-speed internet plan.
Release Date
The iPhone 17 lineup, including the slim iPhone Air, officially launches on Friday, September 19, 2025. Early adopters eager to test the latest iPhones should prepare for mixed news: cutting-edge wireless features paired with slower wired transfer speeds on non-Pro models.
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