Apple is rumored to be getting ready a refreshed MacBook seasoned—if not for WWDC next week, then with a bit of luck someday this 12 months—and despite the fact that these new models are predicted to be thinner and lighter way to USB-C, not all of us’s excited.
USB-C has been touted as a brand new general for connecting accessories and peripherals, but compatibility across the board is still hit-or-omit. And Apple putting handiest one USB-C port at the refreshed 2015 and 2016 MacBook models has induced complications for Mac users. a lot so that 9to5Mac even issued a public provider declaration to warn us about how the “USB-C panorama as a long way as accessories and compatibility along with your Mac is an absolute mess.”
to begin with, the final specifications for USB-C weren’t even finalized until after the 2015 MacBook got here out, so any accessories that had been launched then won’t meet the final wellknown. Apple updated its personal add-ons for the 2016 MacBook launch, and it even had to don’t forget and update some defective USB-C cables.
“USB-C landscape as far as accessories and compatibility along with your Mac is an absolute mess.”
however now not all accessory makers have beneficiant warranties and replacement packages, nor can they upgrade the firmware on their in advance products, so it’s possible that USB-C add-ons you obtain before 2016 won’t paintings with the maximum latest MacBooks.
in step with 9to5Mac, Apple additionally modified USB-C electricity protocols with the 2016 MacBook to require at the least 18W battery packs, so the 5W to 12W packs that would be used with the 2015 received’t work either. We’ll follow up with greater checking out quickly.
Why this topics: in case you concept that owning a brand new MacBook intended that you could truly pick up any USB-C accessory, suppose again. This messy compatibility in reality dampers the idea that USB-C is the brand new gold preferred for computer add-ons. with a bit of luck, if Apple does refresh the MacBook pro this year, USB-C may be one in all the choice however now not be the simplest choice. till accent makers can get a cope with on USB-C’s very last specifications and create merchandise that can get firmware enhancements, Apple’s new MacBook pro is better left with the usual suite of ports—together with USB-C—that can deal with more than just one kind of compatibility.