“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,” Roger Fingas reports for AppleInsider.
“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,” Fingas reports. “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.”
Fingas reports, “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.”
More info and link in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Finally!
That is great news! I use my iPad Pro 12″ more than any other device when out of office, but it’s one big weakness has been slow charging time. Sounds like this new cable will address and enable me to better work on the move.
Good news that Apple finally plugged this hole …
… but it is also yet another reminder on how often Apple has been dropping the ball on delivering ready-for-real-work Mac’s and other aspects of attention to detail.
A cable is pretty damn basic stuff, guys … there’s simply no acceptable excuse for having left all of those MacBook customers dangling out in the wind for a bleeping year.
$25
Yep, nickel and dime everyone to death. Apple fast becoming the next Microsoft in software and bs..
and maybe once you get used to it and it’s part of your workflow Apple will discontinue support without reason or warning… sorry, still annoyed about Target Display Mode removal on the iMac. 😬😬😬
If Apple is so concerned about the environment, they could save the world by not packaging these cables at all.
Just provide one cable or adapter free with each Mac or iOS purchase, one per customer, zero packaging required.
That would be a premium user experience.
Instead, our experience with Apple cables has been one of frustration, usually because the quality and ergonomics just do not line up with the price.
Finally, white cables are just stupid. They look filthy as soon as you start to use them. Is there some reason that Apple can’t offer black or gray cables?
In the end you have two cables for charging two different ways, and you’re probably going to have an adapter anyway because it offers more functionality than this specialty cable. I thought Apple was about simplicity?
Not anymore. Apple is now being run by marketing dorks who care only about selling users more stuff. Overpriced cables and adapters are pure profit, so you know that Apple is happy to force users to buy adapters or expansion boxes.
Wow..a way to connect your device to your computer thru USB.
Truly groundbreaking of Apple, and worthy of an entire article devoted to it.