Every iPhone user should know these 7 clever iPhone USB-C port tricks

After years of dealing with specific charging cables for different Apple devices, times have finally changed for the better.

The iPhone 16 was the first model to ditch the old Lightning cable and join the USB-C crew, and while that might sound like a simple switch, it actually unlocks many new features and time-saving tricks you might not know about.

Here are seven smart ways to get the most out of your iPhone’s USB-C port:

1. Streamline your charging setup

One of the most powerful features of the USB-C cable is that it's now universal among all Apple devices. Users can now use the same cable to charge their iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.

Moreover, the charger is compatible with loads of other popular gadgets like cameras, headphones, drones, GoPros, as well as Android smartphones.

The USB-C port can charge other devices with reverse wired charging (Kinga Krzeminska / Getty)

2. Share power with your accessories

Did you know your iPhone 16 can act as a mini power bank? If the battery runs dry on your AirPods, Apple Watch, or a friend’s phone, your iPhone's USB-C port can come to the rescue, thanks to reverse wired charging.

While there's not enough juice to power up a laptop, using a USB-C to USB-C cable can top up earbuds and other handheld gadgets by sacrificing some of the iPhone's battery life.

3. Plug in and work on the go

Turns out, the USB-C port turns your iPhone into a tiny productivity hub as it's compatible with just about any basic plug-and-play accessory. Need to draft a document or email? Just plug in a USB-C keyboard. Recording a podcast or music on the go? You can connect a pro microphone or a MIDI keyboard.

Furthermore, users can plug in USB-C-to-ethernet adapters, which are lifesavers if you need an ultra-reliable internet connection.

4. Speed up file transfer

The days are gone of wasting precious time waiting for files to transfer between devices. Newer iPhone models like the iPhone 16 series feature USB 3.x technology, dramatically reducing the time it takes to move large video files or photo albums.

The iPhone USB-C port opens up several time-saving hacks (Helen Camacaro / Getty)

5. Connect to screens easily

With the USB-C port, it's incredibly easy to connect your iPhone to external monitors, which is a game-changer for hosting presentations or expanding your gaming display. Users can expand or mirror their iPhone screen on an external monitor or TV with a simple USB-C to HDMI adapter or a direct USB-C connection.

6. Expand your iPhone's storage

If you always seem to run out of storage when you need it most, your iPhone’s USB-C port can save the day. Anything you shoot or save can be quickly transferred from your Apple device to an external device with complete ease.

Simply attach an external SSD for large file libraries, plug in a USB flash drive, or insert an SD card reader to grab photos straight from your camera.

7. Upgrade your audio experience

Bluetooth headphones might be the standard way to listen to music, but some people still prefer the sound quality of wired audio. Thanks to USB-C, you can plug in high-quality headphones or even use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to listen to your favourite playlists.

Users can upgrade their audio experience even more by connecting external DACs (digital-to-analog converters) and audio interfaces for more professional setups.