Roger Fingas
One of the less publicized Apple announcements on Monday was the introduction of a Lightning to USB-C cable, an accessory addressing a serious compatibility problem for 12-inch MacBook owners who also own an iOS device.
The cable, available in 1-meter and 2-meter lengths, connects any Lightning-equipped iOS device with a computer's USB-C port, a convenient feature for owners of the 12-inch Retina MacBook. To cut down extraneous components, Apple's thin-and-light laptop boasts only a single USB-C connection, meaning users who also owned an iPhone or iPad would have to charge their portable separately, or purchase an adapter.
In addition to simple connectivity, the USB-C cable can also be used to take advantage of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro's fast-charge feature. Aside from a direct computer connection, owners can plug their Pro into the same 29-watt USB power adapter that recharges the 12-inch MacBook. And thanks to the inclusion of USB 3 technology, the iPad Pro will charge at a much faster rate of 29 watts, compared to the 12-watt adapter that ships with the Pro.
AppleInsider was first to note in February that 29-watt iPad Pro charging was technically possible. At the time, the only limiting factor was the fact that Apple had not yet brought a USB 3-capable Lightning cable to market — which has now changed.
The benefits won't be seen by the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro, however, as Apple did not include a USB 3 Lightning connector on the smaller "Pro" model. That will charge at the standard 12 watts, but the device also has a much smaller battery that will take less time to replenish.
The least expensive Lightning to USB-C Cable is 1 meter (3 feet) long, and costs $25. Orders can ship as fast as March 23.
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8 Comments
I think this particular accessory signals a wider move to USB-C for all Apple computers and possibly the abandonment of standard USB connectors across all Apple products. USB-C is a worthwhile upgrade in my book and I welcome it, even though it will create inevitable connectivity issues. What I will welcome even more is the next generation of Apple MacBooks and MacBook Pros when they finally arrive. They're ripe for replacement. The one disappointment today was the lack of any news about new laptops. But I blame Intel for the slow upgrade cycle, whose tick-tock cadence seems completely out of whack.