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

Friday November 16, 2018 5:35 pm PST by Juli Clover
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 use the USB-A, HDMI, SD, and microSD ports that are no longer available on recent machines. The Nucleum USB-C Hub, made from a silver Aluminum to match Apple devices, is small enough that it can be tucked into a purse or a bag, or, in a pinch, a pocket. It's narrower and shorter than an iPhone X, but a bit thicker, with a short built-in USB-C cord provided. It's a bit larger than palm-sized, but it's still not going to take up much room during travel or when it's in use on a desk. There's a "Nucleum" logo on the top of the device, while the back features Kingston branding and necessary regulatory labels. The left side of the dock features a USB-A port and a USB-C power delivery port so you can charge a MacBook or MacBook Pro while the hub is plugged in, and on the right side, there's another USB-C port for USB-C accessories, a single USB-A port, a microSD card slot, and an SD card slot. At one end, there's the aforementioned power cord, while the other end houses an HDMI port. All in all, there are a total of seven ports available on the hub, which is not too bad for a device of this size. I don't often need more than two USB-A ports at a time, so the two-port
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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 Eric Slivka
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, ranging from 3 TB to 8 TB for the HDD models and coming in at 1 TB or 2 TB for the SSD models. I've been able to spend time with a 3 TB HDD model, and I've come away impressed with its capabilities. Stepping up to an SSD model would offer even more performance, although at substantially higher cost and lower capacities. Overview The AV Pro 2 can be oriented either vertically or horizontally, with small cushioning pads provided on one of the large faces for horizontal placement. For vertical placement, CalDigit includes a clear plastic stand, also equipped with cushioning pads, to provide stability. A large green LED power button is located on the front of the AV Pro 2, making it easy to turn the drive on and off. The LED shines steady when there is an active connection, flashes while the drive is being accessed, and turns off when the drive goes to sleep, keeping you informed of its status and helping protect against data loss. As always, you should eject the drive from your system before physically disconnecting it, and you can use either the built-in eject function in macOS or a dedicated menu bar utility from CalDigit. MacBook Pro with AV Pro 2 and Tuff external drive
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Review: LG's $1500 38UC99 UltraWide Display Offers a Giant, Desk-Filling Workspace

Friday March 17, 2017 1:34 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
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 3840x1600. It has fewer pixels than a true 4K or Ultra HD display, but its sheer size makes up for it in some unique ways. While the UltraFine 5K and 27UD88 displays work best at Retina or scaled resolutions, the 38UC99 uses a full 3840x1600 desktop that leaves everything on screen at just the right size to be useful. No, it's not a Retina display in this mode, but until we have 8K displays this will have to do. Even without Retina resolution, this display is impressive. The sheer size of it gives you so much flexibility in terms of your workspace. I can easily have three large windows open side-by-side with room to spare. UltraFine 5K, 38UC99, 2016 MacBook Pro (left to right) I've been testing this in a three-display setup with the new 15-inch MacBook Pro, an UltraFine 5K, and the 38UC99. It's a ridiculous amount of desktop space that I can barely fit on my desk, and the MacBook Pro with entry-level graphics runs all of it without breaking a sweat.
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LG 27UD88 Review: A Well-Rounded Ultra HD Display With USB-C

Sunday June 11, 2017 2:25 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
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 $974, the UltraFine 5K isn't a cheap display. Its smaller sibling, the 21.5-inch UltraFine 4K, at its temporary price of $524 might be more appealing to users who are willing to give up some pixels and a few features, but there are several other Ultra HD and 4K options on the market, some of which we rounded up in mid-November. Among these other options, one of the most popular Ultra HD (3840x2160) displays with USB-C connectivity has been LG's 27-inch 27UD88, which offers a clean design, a matte screen finish to reduce glare, and a broader array of connectivity options than the UltraFine lineup. The 27UD88's IPS display supports 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum, 5 ms response time, and a 60 Hz refresh rate. As with the UltraFine displays, one of the major advantages of USB-C connectivity on the 27UD88 is the ability to transfer data, video, and even power over a single cable, and the 27UD88 offers up to 60 watts of power over USB-C to power a notebook computer.
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Review: OWC's 'USB-C Dock' Expands MacBook Connectivity Options With Ten Ports

Monday January 18, 2016 12:54 pm PST by Mitchel Broussard
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 notebooks. All pictures in the review are of a pre-production unit lacking proper screen printing with port designations OWC's USB-C Dock is one of the first full-featured alternatives for the MacBook. At $159.00, the 8-inch by 3.5-inch dock comes with ten ports for users to take advantage of: four USB Type-A, one USB Type-C, an SD card reader, HDMI with 4K display support, Gigabit Ethernet, an audio headphone jack, and one USB 3.1 Type-C computer link. The first thing that should be noted is that the dock requires two included cables to fully function: an external 80W power source that plugs into an outlet, and the USB-C cable that connects everything to the MacBook. Thankfully, the power adapter also charges the MacBook while it's in use; after that initial setup, most things plugged into the dock work without any added steps.
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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 Mitchel Broussard
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 traditional USB-supporting computer and a machine like Apple's new 12-inch Retina MacBook that uses the new USB-C standard. While similar to the company's iXpand Flash Drive line -- which pairs a USB connector with a Lightning connector for a more mobile-friendly storage solution -- the Dual USB Drive is definitely lighter and slimmer than the iXpand line. The new drive is actually part of the line of SanDisk's "Dual" USB Drives, the other two of which focus on a more Android compatible transfer process. Only coming in a 32GB option, the Dual USB Drive Type-C has plenty of storage for all kinds of files, from music and photos to documents and slideshows. I've spent the past week or so testing the Dual drive, but as with any other basic flash drive, it either works hassle-free or it doesn't. Thankfully, SanDisk's new USB-C supported solution is a breeze when it comes to data storage and transfer. The drive took essentially the entire contents of my new 12-inch MacBook and in a few seconds had successfully pasted copies of the files into its 32GB storage.
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'USB-C' Guides

High-Capacity USB-C Battery Pack Comparison and Review

Tuesday February 26, 2019 11:11 am PST by Juli Clover
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, providing power for MacBooks and MacBook Air models, and even charging up a MacBook Pro when charging speed isn't an issue. In this guide, I'll be comparing 27, 30, and 45W battery packs with capacities ranging from 19,000 mAh to 26,800 mAh from companies that include Mophie, Anker, RAVPower, Jackery, and ZMI to help MacRumors readers find the best USB-C battery packs.Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD Charger (30W) RAVPower 26800mAh PD Portable Charger (30W) Mophie Powerstation USB-C 3XL (45W) Jackery Supercharge 26800 PD Portable Charger (45W) Anker PowerCore 19000+ PD Portable Charger and USB-C Hub (27W) ZMI USB PD Backup Battery & Hub (45W) USB-C Battery Pack Basics All USB-C battery packs suitable for use with devices like the MacBook or MacBook Pro are large in size and generally just under or over a pound in weight. You're not going to want to stick one of these in your pockets, but they fit into a bag or a backpack. Each of the battery packs we tested are 45W or less, because there are no higher watt battery packs available on the market. They all come in at under 100Wh, which is the limit that you can take on a plane in your carry-on luggage (power banks like
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'USB-C' Articles

Lightning-to-Ethernet Cables and Lightning to USB-C Audio Adapters Added to Apple's MFi Program

Friday July 12, 2019 3:32 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple will soon allow hardware developers to manufacture additional Made for iPhone (MFi) certified adapters including USB-C to Lightning audio adapters, reports Japanese site Mac Otakara. Apple is said to have recently informed developers who participate in the MFi program about the change. MFi program members were informed of the changes in Apple's "MFi Accessory Interface Specifications Release R31," which specifies support for new adapter types compatible with iOS devices. Apple is designating an MFi certification for Lightning to USB-C audio adapters, such as the one Anker announced in May, designed for Macs with USB-C ports and the new iPad Pro. The adapter allows Lightning headphones to be plugged into a USB-C port. Also among the additions are Lightning-to-Ethernet adapters, of which Belkin's Ethernet + Power Adapter with Lightning Connector is the only currently MFi-approved accessory available to buy on Apple's online store. The Belkin cable offers both Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Lightning ports, allowing users to connect to a secure network while continuing to charge their iOS device. The PoE compatibility also provides an additional way to connect and charge simultaneously with a single cable. According to the report, Apple's latest Lightning-to-Ethernet adapter specification includes the Realtek Gigabit Ethernet Controller "Realtek RLT8111EPU". As a result of the new specifications, additional third-party options for USB-C to Lightning audio adapters and Lightning-to-Ethernet cables are expected to appear on the
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2019 iPhones 'Likely' to Have Faster 18W Charger and Lightning to USB-C Cable in Box

Monday April 29, 2019 7:29 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple is widely expected to release three new iPhone models later this year, and each device will "likely" include a faster 18W USB-C power adapter and a Lightning to USB-C cable in the box, according to Japanese blog Mac Otakara. 18W USB-C power adapter bundled with 2018 iPad Pro, also sold separately This rumor is a big "finally" if true. Despite adding fast charging support to the iPhone 8 and newer, allowing for a 50 percent charge in just 30 minutes via USB-C Power Delivery, Apple has continued to include the same old 5W power adapter and Lightning to USB-A cable with iPhones for many years. For now, to take advantage of fast charging, customers have to spend a total of $48 to purchase a standalone 18W USB-C power adapter and Lightning to USB-C cable from Apple, although cheaper options are available on Amazon. A bundled Lightning to USB-C cable would also mean that customers who paid at least $749 for a new iPhone would finally have a cable that connects with the latest MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models out of the box. Last year, we heard a similar rumor about Apple bundling a faster 18W USB-C power adapter with 2018 iPhones, but it ended up being for 2018 ‌iPad Pro‌ models. This is the second time Mac Otakara has shared this rumor in as many months, so hopefully there is truth to it this time around. Mac Otakara also rehashes several other rumors we've heard before, including the next iPhone XS and ‌iPhone XS‌ Max having triple-lens rear cameras, and the next iPhone XR having a dual-lens rear camera. All three iPhones are also expected to
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Thunderbolt 3 and USB Converge With New 40 Gbps USB4 Specification

Monday March 4, 2019 6:10 am PST by Joe Rossignol
The USB Promoter Group standards body today announced the pending release of a new USB4 specification. USB4 converges the Thunderbolt and USB protocols as part of Intel's goal to make Thunderbolt available on a royalty-free basis, which should result in wider and cheaper availability of Thunderbolt accessories like docks and eGPUs. As USB4 is based on Thunderbolt 3, it offers data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, which is twice as fast as the bandwidth of the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 specification. USB4's underlying Thunderbolt 3 protocol also means the specification supports up to two 4K displays or one 5K display over a single cable. The simplest way to view USB4 is as Thunderbolt 3, but royalty free for manufacturers. Intel will continue to offer Thunderbolt 3 on a standalone basis with a few advantages over USB4, including more support with reference designs and technical issues for manufacturers, according to The Verge. USB4 will use the USB-C connector design and will be backwards compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 specifications. The USB4 specification is on track to be published around the middle of 2019. Over 50 companies are actively participating in the final stages of review of the draft specification, which should include Apple, Intel, and Microsoft, but it might take a few years until the first USB4 devices are
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MacRumors Readers Hoping for USB-C Instead of Lightning in 2019 iPhones

Monday February 11, 2019 1:12 pm PST by Juli Clover
This morning, we asked our readers on Twitter if they'd prefer to see USB-C ports or Lightning ports in the 2019 iPhone lineup, and the results so far are clear -- MacRumors readers are ready to transition to USB-C. With more than 15,000 responses across both platforms at the time this article was written, 74% of Twitter users have chosen USB-C over Lightning, as have 71% of Facebook users. There have been some rumors suggesting Apple is at least considering transitioning to USB-C in the 2019 iPhone lineup, with USB-C prototypes supposedly floating around, but the most recent information from Japanese site Mac Otakara suggests Apple will continue to use Lightning for the 2019 iPhone lineup. Given the mixed rumors, it's looking like we may not be seeing a shift to USB-C in 2019, but it's still possible, and the rumors are encouraging because it means we may see a transition away from Lightning in the near future. iPhones in 2020 or 2021 could feature USB-C, even if the 2019 iPhones don't. Many current iPhone users may be reluctant to shift from Lightning ports because they've spent years collecting Lightning-based accessories, but there are some benefits to be aware of. With USB-C, iPhones would charge faster than with the current 5W iPhone adapter and Lightning cable setup, and cables would be interchangeable with cables for the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iPad lineup. With USB-C support for the iPhone, a single cable could be used to charge all of the above listed devices, and existing power adapters for these devices would fast charge the
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Anker Opens Pre-Orders for First MFi Lightning to USB-C cable, Shipping February 20

Monday February 4, 2019 3:02 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Mobile accessory maker Anker has opened pre-orders for the first Apple-certified USB-C to Lightning cable under the Made for iPhone (MFi) program, and will start shipping the cables later this month. Apple late last year began allowing third-party companies to produce MFi certified USB-C to Lightning cables, and as a result, multiple companies have announced the upcoming launch of new USB-C to Lightning cable options. However, as noted by The Verge, it looks like Anker will be the first to make the accessory available, thanks to its PowerLine II USB-C Cable with Lightning Cable. The cables will be available in both three and six-foot lengths and in different colors, but pre-orders are currently only for the three-foot White PowerLine II, which costs $15.99. An equivalent one-meter (or three-and-a-quarter foot) USB-C to Lightning cable from Apple costs $19. All cables support Anker's Power Delivery system (using its separately available USB-C Wall Adaptor), have a 12,000 bend lifespan, and come with a lifetime warranty. The company originally planned to launch the cables in March 2019, but initial pre-orders will now ship around February
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CES 2019: Satechi Launches New Multi-Port USB-C Chargers Ideal for Latest iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and More

Tuesday January 8, 2019 6:59 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Satechi today at CES 2019 announced it has released two new power adapters, including a dual-port wall charger and a four-port travel charger. The wall charger features one 18W USB-C Power Delivery port and one 12W USB-A port, while the travel charger features a pair of 60W and 18W USB-C Power Delivery ports and two USB-A ports with a total max output of 12W. The 18W USB-C port on the wall charger is ideal for charging a 2018 iPad Pro or fast charging the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR with a USB-C to Lightning cable. Fast charging an iPhone provides up to 50 percent battery life in just 30 minutes, according to Apple. The four-port travel charger is ideal for not only the latest iPhone and iPad models, but larger devices such as the newest MacBook Air and Nintendo Switch. The dual-port wall charger is available for pre-order for $29.99 in space gray on Satechi's website in the United States, with orders estimated to begin shipping on January 31. The four-port travel charger is available now for $69.99 on Amazon and Satechi's website and ships in an estimated one to two days. Satechi does not include charging cables with either power adapter. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon and Satechi. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, which helps us keep the site running.
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CES 2019: Griffin Releasing USB-C to Lightning Cables and Chargers Later This Year

Monday January 7, 2019 7:59 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple-certified accessory maker Griffin today at CES 2019 announced that it will be releasing a collection of USB-C to Lightning cables and power adapters for the latest Apple devices in the second quarter of 2019. Griffin will offer basic USB-C to Lightning Cables in four-foot and six-foot sizes for $19.99 and $29.99 respectively in the United States, along with a five-foot option with a more premium braided aluminum design for $34.99. All three cables are pending certification under Apple's Made for iPhone program. By comparison, Apple offers USB-C to Lightning cables in 3.2-foot and 6.5-foot sizes for $19 and $35 respectively in the United States. In tandem, Griffin will be releasing three new PowerBlock and PowerJolt power adapters: a wall charger with an 18W USB-C port for $39.99, a wall charger with an 18W USB-C port and 12W USB-A port for $49.99, and a car charger with an 18W USB-C port for $39.99. Each comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable. USB-C to Lightning cables and power adapters can be used with the 2018 iPad Pro and to fast charge the iPhone 8 and newer. Last month, Apple informed members of its Made for iPhone program that third-party Lightning to USB-C cables are now permitted to be manufactured, and we're now seeing the first options from Griffin and Belkin and likely others. The cables and power adapters will be available on Griffin's website. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Griffin. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, which helps us keep the site running.
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One Analyst Thinks the Next iPhone Will Have a USB-C Port, Smaller Notch, and Touch ID Under Display

Friday January 4, 2019 6:46 am PST by Joe Rossignol
At least one new iPhone released in 2019 will sport a USB-C port, smaller notch, and the return of Touch ID under the display, according to Jean Baptiste Su, Vice-President and Principal Analyst at consulting firm Atherton Research. Su shared his prediction in a Forbes column about Apple lowering its revenue guidance for the first quarter of its 2019 fiscal year:Although we believe that Apple will release a re-designed iPhone X in 2019—with a smaller notch, a fingerprint reader (Touch ID) under the display, and a USB-C port—it will still lack the extensibility (memory card), the battery life, the lightning-fast charging capability, and the camera quality of Android flagship smartphones while being more expensive.This is the first Apple rumor we've ever heard from Su, and the Forbes contributor network has published its fair share of questionable content about Apple in recent years, so treat this rumor with a healthy dose of skepticism. Many analysts not named Ming-Chi Kuo simply make guesses — and not always educated ones. Let's imagine these features prove to be true, though, and examine what that would mean for the next iPhone:USB-C: For many years, critics believed Apple would never switch to USB-C on its iOS devices, and then it did exactly that with the 2018 iPad Pro. Will the iPhone follow suit this year? Notorious supply chain publication DigiTimes seems to think so, so Su is not alone in his prediction.With many of the latest Macs equipped with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports, which share the USB-C connector design, moving from Lightning to USB-C on the iPhone
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USB-C Authentication Program Launches to Offer Future Protection Against Malicious Hardware

Wednesday January 2, 2019 10:51 am PST by Juli Clover
The USB Implementers Forum today announced the launch of a USB Type-C Authentication program, which is designed to create a cryptographic-based authentication definition for USB-C chargers and devices. This is important because USB-C Authentication will provide protection from malicious firmware/hardware in USB-C devices. There are multiple USB-based attacks that are out in the wild and are able to do things like keystroke injection, installing backdoors, emulating mouse movements, logging data, hijacking traffic, infecting machines with viruses, and more. In addition to protecting against malicious hardware, the program will keep host systems safe from non-compliant USB chargers that could potentially cause harm. With the USB-C Authentication protocol, host machines will be able to confirm the authenticity of a USB-C device, cable, or charger. This confirmation happens right when a connection is made before inappropriate power or data can be transferred. The USB-IF has outlined the characteristics of the USB-Type-C Authentication Program: A standard protocol for authenticating certified USB Type-C chargers, devices, cables and power sources Support for authenticating over either USB data bus or USB Power Delivery communications channels Products that use the authentication protocol retain control over the security policies to be implemented and enforced Relies on 128-bit security for all cryptographic methods Specification references existing internationally-accepted cryptographic methods for certificate format, digital signing, hash and
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Satechi's USB-C Hubs Now Available in Gold to Match New MacBook Air

Friday December 14, 2018 6:59 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Satechi today announced that three of its USB-C hubs are now available to pre-order in a gold color that resembles the finish of the latest MacBook Air. Slim USB-C Multi-Port Adapter V2 - $69.99: 4K HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, one USB-C port with Power Delivery, and two USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with 2015 and newer MacBook, 2016 and newer MacBook Pro, 2018 MacBook Air, and 2018 iPad Pro. USB-C Multi-Port Adapter 4K With Ethernet V2 - $89.99: 4K HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD and microSD card readers, one USB-C port with Power Delivery, and three USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with 2015 and newer MacBook, 2016 and newer MacBook Pro, 2018 MacBook Air, and 2018 iPad Pro. USB-C Pro Hub Adapter - $99.99: 4K HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, one USB-C port with Power Delivery, one USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with 2016 and newer MacBook Pro and 2018 MacBook Air.This is purely a cosmetic change, with pricing and functionality of the USB-C hubs unchanged compared to the existing silver and space gray variants. Orders will begin to ship in January, according to the accessory maker. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Satechi. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
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Apple-Certified Third-Party Lightning to USB-C Cables Expected Early Next Year

Tuesday December 4, 2018 7:11 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple-certified Lightning to USB-C cables should be available from select third-party accessory makers starting early next year. Last week, Apple informed members of its Made for iPhone or "MFi" licensing program that Lightning to USB-C cables for charging and syncing are now permitted to be manufactured. These cables require a new Lightning connector with part number C94, which Made for iPhone program members can now order. Apple is selling the new Lightning connector to eligible hardware manufacturers for $2.88 per, and it is estimated to ship in six weeks, according to documentation shared with MacRumors by Hong Kong website ChargerLab. This means that third-party accessory makers enrolled in the Made for iPhone program, such as Anker, Aukey, Belkin, and Incipio, should have the part necessary to create MFi-certified Lightning to USB-C cables by mid-January and, allowing time for production, could be available to purchase by February or March. A Lightning to USB-C cable is required to fast charge the iPhone 8 and newer with an 18W-plus power adapter. Otherwise, the new C94 connector is expected to provide a maximum of 15W of power with a standard power adapter. Apple is currently the only retailer of certified Lightning to USB-C cables at a cost of $19 for the one-meter option and $35 for two-meters in the United States. The one-meter cable was originally $25, but it received a price cut in November 2016 alongside some of Apple's other USB-C adapters and cables. The biggest advantage to third-party Lightning to USB-C cables is that many will
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Apple Will Soon Let Hardware Developers Make MFi-Certified USB-C to Lightning Cables

Wednesday September 5, 2018 10:09 am PDT by Juli Clover
Apple will soon allow hardware developers to manufacture Made for iPhone (MFi) certified USB-C to Lightning cables, reports Japanese site Mac Otakara. Apple is said to have recently informed developers who participate in the MFi program about the change. Right now, there are no Apple-approved USB-C to Lightning cables available for purchase, which means customers who want a USB-C to Lightning cable must purchase one directly from Apple for $19. With the new MFi update, third-party hardware manufacturers will be able to create USB-C to Lightning cables. These cables are necessary for fast charging the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and Apple's upcoming 2018 iPhones when paired with an 18W+ power adapter. Rumors have suggested that Apple is planning to ship its 2018 iPhones with an upgraded power adapter and a USB-C to Lightning cable, enabling fast charging right out of the box with no need to make an additional purchase. The approval of Made for iPhone USB-C to Lightning cables indicates that this rumor could be true, with Apple and third-party manufacturers starting to make a shift from standard USB-A Lightning cables to the new fast charge compatible USB-C version. According to Mac Otakara, developers who want to manufacture a Lightning to USB-C cable will need to use a new C94 Lightning connector provided by Apple, which offers a maximum of 15W of charging with a non-fast charging compatible power adapter and 18W with a compatible power adapter. Apple has also upgraded its other Lightning connectors, charging about 50 cents more for the new
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Fast Chargers May Require USB-C Authentication to Work at Full Speed With 2018 iPhones

Monday July 23, 2018 6:01 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Rumors suggest Apple will bundle a faster 18W power adapter with its next-generation iPhones, expected to be unveiled this September, but third-party fast charger compatibility may be limited. Japanese blog Mac Otakara, citing information from suppliers, claims that third-party fast chargers may require USB-C Authentication [PDF] certification, or C-AUTH, to charge the 2018 lineup of iPhones at full speeds. Otherwise, the iPhones may display a warning, and limit charging speeds to a max of 2.5W. USB-C Authentication is intended to protect against non-compliant USB chargers and to mitigate risks from maliciously embedded hardware or software in USB devices, so core to Apple, this seems to be all about extra security. Apple is one of over 1,000 member companies of the USB Implementers Forum, so USB-compliant fast chargers are available from a wide variety of brands. Before purchasing a random fast charger from the likes of Amazon, though, it may be a good idea to check the list to see if the company is in fact a
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DigiTimes Vaguely Says 2019 iPhones Are 'Likely to Support USB-C'

Tuesday June 12, 2018 6:12 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes has published a report today claiming that 2019 iPhones will come with USB-C support, but the vague wording makes it hard to decipher what they are referring to exactly. Cage Chao and Jessie Shen, citing sources within Apple's supply chain:Apple is redesigning chargers and related interface for its next-generation iPhone and iPad devices, and will likely have its 2019 series of iPhones come with USB Type-C support, according to sources at analog IC vendors.The flashiest take would be that Apple is planning to remove its Lightning connector from iPhones, in favor of a more universally adopted USB-C port, but that perennial rumor has been proven incorrect time and time again. A similarly vague report from The Wall Street Journal last year ignited speculation that the iPhone X would have a USB-C port, for example, but oft-reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo accurately said 2017 iPhones would retain Lightning connectors, with added support for fast charging via USB-C Power Delivery. Given the unlikely possibility of a wholesale switch from Lightning to USB-C, and that the latest iPhones already support USB-C fast charging, the report could be referring to the type of power adapter included in the box. The report adds:Speculation circulated previously in the smartphone market that Apple would adopt Type-C interface in its next-generation iPhone series slated for launch later in 2018. Apple is still in its redesign phase and will not be able to equip the technology in its upcoming iPhones, the sources claimed.The speculation
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Apple Updates Made For iPhone Licensing Program With USB-C Ports, Lightning to 3.5mm Output Cable

Monday March 12, 2018 11:08 am PDT by Juli Clover
Apple recently updated its Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod (MFi) licensing program to include specifications for USB-C ports and a Lightning to 3.5mm output cable (via 9to5Mac). With the new specifications, accessory makers will be able to include USB-C ports on MFi-certified charging accessories designed for the iOS and Mac, with those accessories able to use the USB-C cables that ship with new Macs. Third-party MFi accessories that include Lightning ports are able to offer passthrough charging, but Apple's new specifications do not allow the USB-C port built into an accessory to be used for passthrough charging or syncing of an iOS device. Apple's documentation suggests speakers and battery packs could benefit from the use of a USB-C port for charging purposes. As for the Lightning to 3.5mm stereo output plug, it is designed to let users connect to a 3.5mm input using a Lightning port on an iOS device, something that was previously only possible with adapters. Apple also recently revamped its Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod logos, introducing support for the San Francisco font and replacing device icons with standard Apple
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CES 2018: Hyper Launches 8-in-1 USB-C Hub With Built-In 7.5W Wireless Charger

Monday January 8, 2018 7:01 am PST by Juli Clover
Hyper today announced the upcoming launch of a new HyperDrive USB-C Hub, which will be available for pre-order on Kickstarter starting on January 15. The HyperDrive USB-C Hub, which is compatible with all USB-C equipped MacBook and MacBook Pro models, features a total of 8 ports, including a 4K HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a microSD slot, an SD card slot, three USB-A 3.1 ports and one USB-C power delivery port. In addition, the USB-C Hub has a built-in 7.5W wireless charger and convertible stand that's designed to charge the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. Using the included stand, which has a hinge that can be set to multiple viewing angles, the iPhone can be charged flat or while standing up in landscape or portrait mode thanks to three included wireless charging coils. The HyperDrive USB-C Hub has an included retractable USB-C charging cable to allow it to be connected to a MacBook, but it can also be plugged into the wall with a USB-C power source to provide power to the MacBook and to serve as a standalone wireless charging device when not connected to a MacBook. HyperDrive claims that the USB-C Hub is able to charge an iPhone X faster than 7.5W wireless chargers available from Belkin and Mophie, and it says that the hub operates at a lower temperature than standard wireless charging accessories. The USB-C Hub is designed to operate at 77ºF, with generated heat isolated from the iPhone via an airgap and dissipated through the accessory's aluminum sides. There is an LCD display built into the hub to provide details on voltage and
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PSA: iPhone 8 Fast Charging Works With Third-Party USB-C Power Adapters That Support Power Delivery

Monday September 25, 2017 12:05 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol
A recent support document on Apple's website confirms that you don't need one of Apple's USB-C power adapters to fast charge the latest iPhones. Apple says the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, and presumably the iPhone X, can be fast charged with any comparable third-party USB-C power adapter that supports the USB Power Delivery specification. An official Lightning to USB-C cable is still needed, and it's not included with any iPhone. Apple charges $25 for a one meter cable, and $35 for a two meter cable, in the United States. There aren't any MFi-certified alternatives yet. Apple's own USB-C power adapters that support USB-C Power Delivery include: 29W USB-C Power Adapter — $49 61W USB-C Power Adapter — $69 87W USB-C Power Adapter — $79Aukey has a few cheaper third-party options available on Amazon: 29W USB-C Power Adapter — $22.99 46W USB-C Power Adapter — $39.99Fast charging enables the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X to charge to 50 percent battery life in just 30 minutes. Disclaimer: This article is not affiliated with Aukey, but MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon and may get paid if you click one of the above links and make a purchase.
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OWC Launches New USB-C Travel Dock Suitable for MacBooks

Thursday September 21, 2017 8:47 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
OWC has launched a new USB-C travel dock suitable for Apple's latest MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks. The dock connects to a Mac or PC with a single USB-C cable and provides access to the following five ports: 2× USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports 1× USB-C port for power 1× HDMI 2.0 port 1× SD card reader The USB-C port provides up to 60W of pass-through charging, while the HDMI 2.0 port can drive a 4K display at 30Hz. The compact-sized dock is available on MacSales.com in MacBook-like Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, and Space Gray for $49.99 in the United States. It's also available on Amazon in select
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Upcoming USB 3.2 Specification Will Double Data Rates Using Existing Cables

Tuesday July 25, 2017 11:13 am PDT by Juli Clover
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group, comprising Apple, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and other companies, today introduced an upcoming USB 3.2 specification, which will eventually replace the existing USB 3.1 specification upon release. An incremental update, USB 3.2 is designed to define multi-lane operation for USB 3.2 hosts and devices. USB Type-C cables already support multi-lane operation, and with USB 3.2, hosts and devices can be created as multi-lane solutions, allowing for either two lanes of 5Gb/s or two lanes of 10Gb/s operation. With support for two lanes of 10Gb/s transfer speeds, performance is essentially doubled over existing USB-C cables. As an example, the USB Promoter Group says a USB 3.2 host connected to a USB 3.2 storage device will be capable of 2GB/sec data transfer performance over a USB-C cable certified for USB SuperSpeed 10Gb/s USB 3.1, while also remaining backwards compatible with earlier USB devices."When we introduced USB Type-C to the market, we intended to assure that USB Type-C cables and connectors certified for SuperSpeed USB or SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps would, as produced, support higher performance USB as newer generations of USB 3.0 were developed," said Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman. "The USB 3.2 update delivers the next level of performance."Along with two-lane operation, USB 3.2 continues to use SuperSpeed USB layer data rates and encoding techniques and will introduce a minor update to hub specifications for seamless transitions between single and two-lane operation. More information about USB 3.2 will be unveiled at
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iPhone 8 Expected to Include Faster 10W USB-C Wall Charger

Wednesday June 28, 2017 9:04 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Earlier this year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities said the widely rumored 5.8-inch iPhone with an OLED display will feature a Lightning connector with USB-C Power Delivery that enables fast charging capabilities. "iPhone 8" mockup by Benjamin Geskin for iDrop News Lending credence to that rumor, Barclays analyst Blayne Curtis today in a research note said the so-called "iPhone 8" will come bundled with a 10W power adapter with a USB-C connector and an integrated USB-C Power Delivery chip. Curtis said the USB-C Power Delivery chips built into both the iPhone and 10W power adapter will be supplied by Cypress Semiconductor. The research note suggests it'll be the same CYPD2104 chip used in the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro. An excerpt from the Barclays research note distributed to clients, obtained by MacRumors and edited slightly for clarity:We believe that in the iPhone 8, Apple likely includes Cypress Semiconductor's USB-C Power Delivery chip in the phone and an additional chip within the power brick in box (likely a new 10W, which would use a more integrated solution with Cypress Power Delivery).Like the new 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the so-called "iPhone 8" would be capable of fast charging with a Lightning to USB-C cable connected to the new 10W power adapter or Apple's 29W USB-C power adapter for MacBook. Apple will presumably include a Lightning to USB-C cable in the box if it's going in this direction, possibly instead of the traditional Lightning to USB cable. Apple could also opt to include a female USB-C to male USB-A adapter in the
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