Juli Clover, MacRumors:
Alongside the iPhone XR, Apple today released a new 0.3m Magnetic Apple Watch Charger that’s equipped with a USB-C connector for the first time.
An odd product. Vastly more people have iOS gadgets than Macs, and therefore are set to charge with USB-A instead of USB-C.
Is this simply a niche product for the few who have built their charging lives around USB-C? As opposed to the Mac folks who (I’d wager) all have a USB-A dongle, just in case they need to charge their Apple Watch on their Mac.
Maybe it’s that simple, that this is just a product (after all this time) for folks who need a USB-C specific solution for charging their Apple Watch.
It’s the “after all this time” part that tickles my brain. Why now? Is there some function coming to Apple Watch that can only be delivered via USB-C? As opposed to via a USB-A adapter?
Is there still the chance of USB-C making an appearance on a non-Mac product?
This cable feels like a crossover product, spreading USB-C adoption beyond the Mac.
This is what Apple does. If they are not sure of something, they release a little test.
yes
(I mean, yes, USB A plugs are still vastly more common, absolutely.
But it’s not like USB C is some weird Mac-only port nobody has!)
I think it’s overdue that Apple resolves the duality of USB-C/Lightening.
USB-C delivers up to 100W, is USB 3.1 (10 gbps), & supports both video, audio & power over one cable. I see USB-C as the one connector “to rule them all.”
Therefore, for Apple, a company that prides itself on efficiency, Lightening just isn’t the most efficient solution any more, even if it is a tad slimmer than USB-C. However, it is possible Apple could release a Lightening 2.0 that brings it into parity with USB-C.
More like the one connector to confuse them all.
I suspect this means many things, including everything having USB-C in a few years. Thanks to the EU for putting pressure on Apple to do the right thing for the environment.
That’s all good if you ask me. Maybe I can donate my score of Lightning cables to some worthy cause?
And a cool part is how integrated the purchase is now. I just went to the Apple Store, clicked buy with ApplePay and then 10 seconds later it was on the way after a double click on my ?Watch.
“Vastly more people have iOS gadgets than Macs, and therefore are set to charge with USB A instead of USB C.”
What?
It’s 2018.
Non-Mac people also have USB C ports fairly often, if only from having wall-chargers with a USB C port for higher power output.
Many PC laptops and such have USB C these days.
Farkin’ Nintendos have a USB C charger!
I ordered one and just got it. I wanted to charge my watch from the back of my iMac pro and all of my USB A ports are full.
I suggest you have a look at something like this: https://www.anker.com/products/variant/powerport-speed-5-ports/A2055111
It gives you charging options at your desk that don’t involve a data connection to a computer.
Thanks Steven, I’ll check it out.
Funnily enough, the one place I *don’t* have one yet is beside my computer. But every time I need to plug my iPhone in to my Mac to recharge and Xcode or iTunes catches wind of the device I wish I did. 🙂
I bet USB-A still outnumbers USB-C 10:1 or more, especially once cars and non-computer sources (like wall adapters, power bars, Internet routers, TVs, power outlets with USB) are factored in.
it’s not a test and they’re not unsure.