The new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 chip features only two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, unlike the M3 Pro and M3 Max chip-powered models that have three Thunderbolt 4 ports. This means the base M3 chip model supports fewer displays, with only one display at up to 6K resolution at 60Hz or one display at up to 4K resolution at 120Hz over HDMI. In comparison, the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips support up to two external displays at 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, with the M3 Max chip supporting up to four external displays in various configurations. Both the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips also support native DisplayPort over USB-C and high-resolution displays.
The iPhone 15 Pro is rumored to support Thunderbolt 3 data transfer speeds in addition to USB-C 3.2 data transfer speeds, making it compatible with 4K monitors. A new cinematography feature will allow live 4K Thunderbolt outputs to monitors while recording. This feature will supposedly arrive with iOS 17, and only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra will be able to make use of the technology given their support for Thunderbolt 3.
Leaks reveal that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will have Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, which can operate at up to 40 Gbps and output to monitors at up to 4K. The new port will also have special features in iOS 17, including a cinematography feature that allows live 4K Thunderbolt outputs to monitors while recording. Additionally, Apple is reportedly working on an AI-driven virtual trainer, codenamed Quartz, which will be built into iPhones and the Apple Watch and launch next year.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rumored to feature Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, which would increase bandwidth by over 80x, allowing for external 4K monitor support. The phones are expected to debut in September with an A17 Bionic SoC and titanium sides. However, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will not have the same functionality despite also using USB Type-C ports.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will support Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C, with Thunderbolt 4 features to be added in the future after the release of iOS 17. Non-Pro versions of the iPhone 15 will not support Thunderbolt 3 and will likely stick with the USB 3.0 standard. Thunderbolt 4 features will only be available for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Thunderbolt 4 feature will allow the iPhone to connect to a Thunderbolt-compatible monitor with up to a 4K video output and provide live feedback while recording footage.
