14 shocking methods to make use of your iPhone’s USB-C port – past simply charging

Observe ZDNET: Add us as a most well-liked supply on Google.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Your iPhone’s USB-C port does excess of cost units.
• USB-C turns your iPhone right into a hub for work, media, and storage.
• Wired USB-C equipment ship sooner, extra dependable efficiency.

For years, the iPhone was caught with the Lightning port, whilst Apple moved its different units to USB-C. That meant maintaining one cable for my iPhone and one other for my iPad and Mac. Nonetheless, beginning with the iPhone 15 lineup, Apple lastly made the change.

Each present iPhone mannequin, together with the iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 households, now makes use of USB-C. And sure, it’s about time.

Additionally: 14 secret telephone codes that unlock hidden options in your Android and iPhone

I actually like that USB-C does excess of simplify machine charging for me. It turns my iPhone right into a workstation, a media hub, a storage machine, and even a networking device. When you’ve got solely been utilizing the port to cost, you are leaving loads on the desk.

What are you able to do along with your iPhone’s USB-C port?

Earlier than moving into every part the USB-C port in your new iPhone can do, it is price beginning with the obvious and, for me, probably the most satisfying profit: fewer cables. I now carry a single USB-C cable that works with my iPhone, iPad, MacBook, headphones, digital camera gear, and even energy banks. It dramatically cuts down on cable litter at house and once I journey.

Additionally: The way to activate Lockdown Mode on iPhone – so even the FBI cannot get in

Now, let’s get into the enjoyable stuff…

1. Flip your iPhone into an influence financial institution

Do you know your iPhone can double as a small energy financial institution? If one other machine has USB-C, you may join it to your iPhone with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable and share energy. Due to reverse wired charging, your iPhone can cost equipment like earbuds, tablets, or one other telephone. Energy output is restricted to 4.5 watts, so it won’t exchange a wall charger, however it’s nonetheless helpful for emergencies.

2. Create a cell workstation

USB-C opens the door to a world of peripherals and equipment. You possibly can plug in a keyboard, mouse, or trackpad and immediately flip your iPhone right into a mini workstation. No drivers and no complicated installs are wanted; it simply works. That is particularly helpful in case you are touring and want to put in writing lengthy emails, edit paperwork, or handle information whereas away from a laptop computer.

Additionally: The way to clear your iPhone cache (and why it makes such a giant distinction)

3. Pair to an exterior show

In the event you actually need to take your workstation setup up a notch, pair your iPhone with an exterior show, and it begins to really feel surprisingly succesful. USB-C makes it simple to attach your iPhone to TVs, displays, and projectors utilizing HDMI or USB-C show adapters.

I’ve used this for watching movies in lodges, and it’s way more versatile and dependable than wi-fi casting.

4. File clear audio from wherever

In case you are a musician, podcaster, journalist, or anybody who must file audio, you may join a USB-C microphone and file on to your iPhone. I’ve used this setup for subject recordings and was capable of seize clear sound with no noticeable interference.

Additionally: My iPhone alarm stored failing me – listed below are the 6 fixes that truly labored

5. Join MIDI devices

Talking of musicians, they will do extra than simply file audio on their iPhone.

Utilizing USB-C, they will plug MIDI keyboards, drum pads, and extra immediately into an iPhone. Music apps acknowledge these devices immediately, turning the iPhone into a transportable music studio for composing, recording, and even reside efficiency.

6. Plug in high-end headphones and audio gear

Sorry, I am not finished with advantages for musicians or audiophiles but.

Additionally: The way to file a telephone name in your iPhone (and the place and when it is authorized to take action)

USB-C helps digital audio immediately, so you should use USB-C headphones, DACs, and skilled audio interfaces. All of this opens the door to higher-quality playback and recording than Bluetooth alone can present.

7. Switch giant information – quick

Transferring giant information over USB-C is considerably sooner than it ever was with Lightning, particularly on Professional fashions. Normal iPhones function at USB 2 speeds, whereas Professional fashions help USB 3, as much as 10Gbps, which dramatically cuts switch instances. In the event you commonly transfer images, movies, or backups between your iPhone and a pc, a high-speed knowledge switch cable is effectively price it.

8. Add extra storage to your iPhone

Anxious about working out of storage in your iPhone? Cease. You possibly can merely join USB-C flash drives, exterior SSDs, or powered arduous drives on to your iPhone. That is helpful for backups, media libraries, and offloading giant information. On iPhone Professional fashions, you may even file ProRes video straight to an exterior SSD, fully bypassing inner storage limits.

Additionally: 8 methods to get extra iPhone storage at present – and most are free

9. Use SD and microSD playing cards

In case you are a photographer or videographer, you instantly profit from USB-C card help.

Additionally: This hidden iPhone digital camera trick might help you find your misplaced machine quick – no Discover My required

With a easy plug-in card reader, you may import images and video from SD or microSD playing cards straight into your iPhone. There isn’t any want for wi-fi transfers or companion apps. It is quick, direct, and the simplest strategy to overview and edit content material on the go.

10. Recreation with wired controllers

Wired USB-C controllers work natively with iPhone. In contrast with Bluetooth, wired controllers cut back enter lag and don’t drain the controller’s battery. In case you are into cell gaming, cloud gaming, or emulation, a wired controller is a should.

11. Get sooner, extra dependable web

With a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter or hub, your iPhone can join on to wired web. This gives decrease latency and extra constant speeds than Wi-Fi. It’s a lifesaver in case you reside stream or work from areas with unreliable networks.

12. There’s a lot extra specialty equipment

You’ve got most likely realized by now that USB-C permits a variety of area of interest equipment, together with diagnostic instruments, borescopes, microscopes, measurement units, and different specialty peripherals. ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes critiques many of those bizarre and wacky devices. If it follows customary USB protocols, your iPhone can energy it and talk with it.

Additionally: I modified 10+ settings on my iPhone to considerably prolong its battery life (iOS 26 and older)

13. Multiply your ports with a USB-C hub

At this level, you could be pondering you will be unable to make use of half the equipment talked about right here as a result of the iPhone solely has a single USB-C port. No worries. A USB-C hub solves that drawback. With one machine, you may broaden what your iPhone can do by including additional USB-C ports, USB-A ports, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card readers, passthrough charging, and extra.

14. Maintain utilizing your Lightning equipment

Final however not least, in case you nonetheless have Lightning-based equipment mendacity round, a USB-C to Lightning adapter helps you to hold utilizing the gear you already paid for and love.