USB-C

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USB-C Reviews

Review: Kingston's Nucleum USB-C Hub Adds Much-Needed Ports to Your MacBook or MacBook Pro

Tuesday June 12, 2018 11:08 am PDT by
With Apple's decision to embrace USB-C on all of its modern Macs, the company has created a need for USB-C docks so that we can continue to use all of our non-USB C peripherals as we wait for the rest of the tech industry to catch up. Kingston's Nucleum USB Type-C Hub is designed to meet that need, offering a selection of useful ports for MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iMac owners who still need to ...

Review: CalDigit AV Pro 2 Combines External USB-C Storage With a USB Hub and 30W of Charging Power

Tuesday October 31, 2017 2:02 pm PDT by
CalDigit recently launched its AV Pro 2 storage hub, a USB-C accessory that serves not only as an external drive with up to 8 TB of storage, but also acts a peripheral hub with two additional Type-A USB 3.0 ports and can charge a connected computer at up to 30 watts. The AV Pro 2 is available in a range of capacities in both traditional 7200 rpm hard drive and solid-state drive models,...

Review: LG's $1500 38UC99 UltraWide Display Offers a Giant, Desk-Filling Workspace

Friday March 17, 2017 1:34 pm PDT by
We've already looked at LG's UltraFine 5K and 27UD88 displays as companions for Apple's latest notebooks, and today we're taking a look at another USB-C display option that brings something quite different: LG's 38UC99 curved "UltraWide" display. This is a desk-filling display in the truest sense of the term: 37.5 inches on the diagonal with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a native resolution of...

LG 27UD88 Review: A Well-Rounded Ultra HD Display With USB-C

Friday January 20, 2017 10:46 am PST by
A few weeks ago, we took a look at LG's new 27-inch UltraFine 5K display designed in partnership with Apple to pair with the new MacBook Pro. While it's a high-quality screen that offers a sharp, spacious, Retina desktop, the overall design has generated mixed reactions, particularly in comparison to Apple's design standards. At a standard price of $1299 and even Apple's discounted price of...

Review: OWC's 'USB-C Dock' Expands MacBook Connectivity Options With Ten Ports

Monday January 18, 2016 1:54 pm PST by
Since the launch of Apple's Retina MacBook last April, users have been looking for ways to expand the functionality of the single port included on the machine, a USB-C that can support a multitude of functions including power and data. Many third-party companies have begun shipping single-use dongles and small hubs for MacBook fans to be able to get full use out of their ultra-thin 12-inch...

SanDisk Dual USB Drive Type-C Review: No-Hassle File Transfers for Apple's New MacBook

Tuesday June 23, 2015 12:04 pm PDT by
Known for providing a variety of storage solutions for desktop and mobile devices, SanDisk continues its trend of easy-to-use storage devices supporting multiple connector standards with its new Dual USB Drive Type-C. Taking aim at the growing use of USB-C in the tech industry, the Dual USB Drive includes connectors for both USB-A 3.0 and USB-C that allow users to transfer files between a...

USB-C How Tos

iPhone 15 Pro: How to Transfer Data Over USB-C at 10Gbps Speed

Thursday September 21, 2023 3:11 pm PDT by
All of Apple's iPhone 15 models come with a USB-C port instead of Lightning, but not all devices in the lineup offer the same port data transfer speed. The iPhone 15 switch to USB-C brings several conveniences, such as the ability to use the same charging cable for Macs, iPads, iPhones, and other USB-C accessories. Now that the iPhone 15 models have a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, ...

iPhone 15: How to Charge Apple Watch, AirPods, or Another iPhone

Thursday September 21, 2023 9:34 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models use a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port for charging and data transfer purposes, and the new port also allows an ‌iPhone 15‌ to charge AirPods or an Apple Watch directly. If your AirPods or Apple Watch run out of battery while you don't have access to a charger, now you can use your ‌iPhone‌'s battery for a little extra juice rather...

USB-C Guides

High-Capacity USB-C Battery Pack Comparison and Review

Monday February 25, 2019 11:52 am PST by
A few years ago, it was difficult to find a USB-C battery pack capable of charging a MacBook at a speed of 30 or 45W, but with Apple and other companies increasingly embracing USB-C technology for everything from smartphones to laptops, high-powered USB-C battery packs have become more readily available. Higher-watt USB-C battery packs are ideal for fast charging iPhones and iPad Pros,...

USB-C Articles

mac magic keyboard

USB-C Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad Could Arrive in Spring 2024

Friday December 8, 2023 6:35 am PST by
Apple's Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad could finally switch from Lightning to USB-C in the spring of 2024. The rumor, originating from Weibo user "Instant Digital," suggests that all three of Apple's Lightning-based peripherals designed for the Mac could receive an upgrade in the spring. It is unclear if the accessories will have any changes beyond the switch to USB-C. They...
iPhone 15 USB C Port Event Still

Apple Pushes Back Against iPhone USB-C Regulations in India

Tuesday December 5, 2023 4:18 am PST by
Apple has asked the Indian government to exempt existing iPhones from new rules that require smartphones sold in the country to have a USB-C charging port, reports Reuters. India wants to replicate an upcoming European Union rule that requires all smartphones to implement the USB-C charging standard. However, according to a new report, Apple has told India its local production targets will...
magsafe battery pack feature

Will the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger Ever Return With USB-C Ports?

Sunday September 17, 2023 7:28 am PDT by
Apple quietly discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger immediately after unveiling four new iPhone 15 models with a USB-C port last week. Both accessories were equipped with a Lightning connector. Apple has not commented on why the MagSafe accessories were removed from sale, but the move was not surprising given the company is transitioning away from Lightning. The big...
iPhone 15 USB C Port Event Still

iPhone 15's USB-C Port: 4.5W Charging for Accessories, USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Pro Models, and More

Saturday September 16, 2023 9:17 pm PDT by
In a support document published on Friday, Apple provided some additional details about the USB-C port found on all iPhone 15 models. First, Apple said all iPhone 15 models can charge an Apple Watch, AirPods case, or other small accessories connected to the USB-C port at up to 4.5W. Apple already announced this capability, but it had not provided the wattage information. Second, the...
iPhone 15 USB C Port Event Still

iPhone 15 Models Have 'Completely Standard' USB-C Port Without Restrictions on Accessories

Friday September 15, 2023 9:10 am PDT by
Apple's new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are equipped with a "completely standard" USB-C port without any restrictions on cables or accessories, according to Ars Technica's Andrew Cunningham. For previous iPhones with the Lightning connector, Apple limits the functionality of some cables and accessories that are not certified through its "Made for iPhone"...
USB C 60w 240w charge cable

Apple Selling New 60W and 240W USB-C Woven Charge Cables

Thursday September 14, 2023 4:03 am PDT by
Following its iPhone 15 event on Tuesday, Apple released a few related accessories, including a USB-C to Lightning adapter and a one-meter Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable. It turns out the company has also made available a new 60W 1-meter USB-C Charge Cable ($19) and a 240W 2-meter USB-C Charge Cable ($29), designed for charging iPhone 15 models, iPads, and Macs. Apple advertises the new woven...
AirPods USB C Port

Apple Not Offering USB-C AirPods Pro Cases As a Standalone Purchase

Wednesday September 13, 2023 2:03 am PDT by
Apple on Tuesday made second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case available to order, but unlike its move to wireless charging cases, the company isn't offering the USB-C case as a standalone purchase. Apple's decision not to offer the USB-C case as a separate purchase is likely a marketing one related to the fact that the updated second-generation AirPods Pro feature improved...
magsafe battery pack with usb c port

Counterfeiters Preparing for Launch of USB-C MagSafe Battery Pack

Sunday September 10, 2023 12:39 pm PDT by
Images of fake MagSafe Battery Packs with a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning are being shared on social media sites, potentially hinting at preparations to mirror Apple's release of such an accessory. The current MagSafe Battery Pack is a widely counterfeited accessory, but most one-to-one replicas available to date feature a Lightning port. The latest series of images, shared across ...
magsafe battery pack feature2

Multiple USB-C Apple Accessories Reportedly Planned, All-New 'Stackable' MagSafe Battery Pack in Development

Saturday September 9, 2023 5:10 am PDT by
Apple is planning to refresh many of its accessories to add a USB-C port following the transition away from Lightning on the iPhone 15 lineup, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman told MacRumors. On the most recent episode of The MacRumors Show podcast, Gurman said that Apple is seeking to move to USB-C across its lineup of accessories by next year, including all of its AirPods models and Mac...
airpods max flat

USB-C Reportedly Coming to AirPods and AirPods Max as Soon as 2024

Friday September 8, 2023 5:51 am PDT by
Apple plans to bring a USB-C port to the standard AirPods and the AirPods Max as soon as 2024, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a new article outlining his specific expectations for Apple's "Wonderlust" event, featuring new details about the Apple Watch Series 9, second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, iPhone 15, ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max, Gurman mentioned ...
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen hero 220907 big

Upcoming USB-C AirPods Pro Not Expected to Include Any Other Hardware Changes

Sunday September 3, 2023 7:23 am PDT by
Apple plans to update AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case during its "Wonderlust" iPhone 15 event on Tuesday, September 12, but no other hardware changes to the earbuds are expected, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says he believes Apple will eventually add USB-C ports to all AirPods in its lineup, but he suggests that ‌AirPods...
Apple Prefer USB C Lightning Feature Remake

Rumor Recap: What to Expect From the iPhone 15's USB-C Port

Wednesday May 17, 2023 10:45 am PDT by
All four iPhone 15 models launching later this year are expected to feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning. This change means the iPhone will support a more universal charging standard, benefit from faster data transfer speeds, and more. Below, we have recapped rumors about the iPhone switching to USB-C, including potential speed differences, other Apple accessories adopting USB-C, and...
iPhone 15 to Switch From Lightning to USB C in 2023 feature

Apple Considered iPhone 15 With Lightning Port Before Swapping to USB-C

Tuesday April 18, 2023 5:27 pm PDT by
Early on in the iPhone 15 development process, Apple created a version that included a Lightning port, according to Apple leaker Unknownz21. In a tweet, Unknownz21 said that Apple tested an ‌iPhone 15‌ with a Lightning port "very early on" but that it was "quickly scrapped" in favor of the USB-C version. ‌iPhone 15‌ models equipped with USB-C instead of Lightning were in testing as early as...
airpods with wires by ken pillonel

Engineer Brings Wires and USB-C Connector to AirPods

Saturday April 1, 2023 2:00 am PDT by
Hardware prototyping consultant Ken Pillonel has added wires and a USB-C connector to a set of AirPods, bypassing the need for its charging case. Repair site iFixit has given all versions of the AirPods and AirPods Pro a score of zero out of 10 for repairability. They are not designed to be serviced or repaired because no internal components can be accessed without damage to the device,...
airpods pro with usb c port ken pillonel

Apple Reportedly Not Planning to Release USB-C Version of AirPods 3

Friday March 24, 2023 7:12 am PDT by
Apple has no plans to release a new version of the third-generation AirPods with a USB-C port, despite intending to do so with a new version of the second-generation AirPods Pro later this year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said. Image via Ken Pillonel In a tweet, Kuo explained that Apple "currently appears to have no plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 & 3." The decision is notable ...
iPhone 15 to Switch From Lightning to USB C in 2023 feature sans arrow

Apple Reportedly Planning to Limit iPhone 15's USB-C Port in the Same Way as Lightning

Friday February 10, 2023 3:59 am PST by
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro's USB-C port and accompanying charging cables will feature a Lightning-like authenticator chip, potentially limiting their functionality with Apple-unapproved accessories, a rumor shared on Weibo suggests. The rumor declares that Apple has developed its own variant of USB-C for this year's ‌iPhone 15‌ lineup and comes from a user who claims to be an...
airpods pro with usb c port ken pillonel

Engineer Brings Functional USB-C Port to AirPods Pro

Wednesday February 8, 2023 6:00 am PST by
Hardware prototyping consultant Ken Pillonel has sought to address some of the AirPods Pro's repairability issues with a 3D-printed replacement casing and switching the Lightning charging port for a USB-C port. In his latest video, Pillonel highlighted that the ‌AirPods Pro‌ are not designed to be serviced or repaired since their charging case is not openable without damage to the device,...
airpods usb c ken pillonel

India May Exempt Certain Devices From Law That Would Force USB-C Port

Monday January 2, 2023 9:38 pm PST by
India is considering exempting certain products from a proposed law that would force a selection of consumer electronic devices to adopt a USB-C port. Among the devices being possibly exempted, AirPods could be included. According to a report from Mint, citing a senior Indian official, the government is considering exempting featurephones, wearables, and hearables from a proposed law that...
iPhone 15 to Switch From Lightning to USB C in 2023 feature

EU Sets Official Deadline for When iPhone Must Switch to USB-C

Thursday December 8, 2022 4:47 am PST by
The European Union has set an official deadline for when all smartphones sold in its jurisdiction must have a USB-C port, including the iPhone. The EU officially approved the common charger law in October, but a specific date for when the law would come into force was unknown. Now, in a newly published directive, the EU says all smartphones must have USB-C by December 28, 2024. Other...
USB C Over Lightning Feature

EU Gives Final Approval to Law That Will Force iPhone to Switch to USB-C

Monday October 24, 2022 5:53 am PDT by
The European Union today gave final approval to legislation that will force technology companies like Apple to switch to USB-C across a wide range of devices. Outlined in an official press release, the European Council today gave the European Parliament's common charger directive approval, finalizing the legislative procedure that will make a USB-C port mandatory across a wide range of...