Rumor: Apple to adopt USB Type-C in another upcoming MacBook, whether it's Pro or Air
A new supply chain rumor suggests that Apple will bring USB Type-C ports from its 12-inch MacBook to another notebook in the lineup. The most likely candidate: the MacBook Pro. Here's why.
Hit-or-miss publication DigiTimes reported on Wednesday that Apple will adopt USB Type-C ports for "its MacBook Air." The publication frequently has inside information on upcoming supply chain maneuverings, but gets elements like timing --?and, likely in this case, product names -- incorrect on a frequent basis.
While the report suggests Apple will revamp its low-end MacBook Air, it's instead more likely that USB Type-C ports will be coming to the company's long-in-tooth MacBook Pro, which is due for both an update and a redesign.
In Apple's seemingly never-ending quest for thinness, it's expected that the next-generation MacBook Pro will be both thinner and lighter than current models. In seeing bits and pieces of a more portable MacBook Pro, it's possible that supply chain insiders simply assume the new ultraportable notebook will instead be branded as a next-generation MacBook Air.
However, the MacBook Air hasn't seen a significant update in years, it continues to feature a low-resolution non-Retina display, and its role in Apple's lineup has been severely diminished by the 12-inch MacBook.
It's expected that rather than updating the MacBook Air, Apple will simply let it fade out of the lineup. Keeping it around with outdated specifications allows Apple to hit lower-than-ever notebook price points --?the entry-level 11-inch model retails for $899, but can be bought for as low as $770 new from some resellers.
Apple's 2016 MacBook Pro, meanwhile, is rumored to see a complete redesign, featuring USB Type-C ports with speedy Thunderbolt 3 support. It's also rumored to feature an OLED touch bar to replace the row of function keys, and Touch ID integration for secure login --?claims that have been supported by leaked parts.
A chassis that surfaced in May showed a thinner-than-ever MacBook Pro design with four USB Type-C ports and no MagSafe, suggesting that the device could offer both power and data through USB much like the 12-inch MacBook.
Of course, it's inevitable that the MacBook Pro will adopt the new USB standard already featured by Apple in its smallest MacBook, but it's believed that the transition for the flagship notebook will take place soon -- this fall.
Rumors have pegged the new MacBook Pro for a fourth-quarter launch, which would indicate the notebooks are likely to be available no later than November. Anytime after that and Apple would miss out on the start of the lucrative holiday shopping season.
Hit-or-miss publication DigiTimes reported on Wednesday that Apple will adopt USB Type-C ports for "its MacBook Air." The publication frequently has inside information on upcoming supply chain maneuverings, but gets elements like timing --?and, likely in this case, product names -- incorrect on a frequent basis.
While the report suggests Apple will revamp its low-end MacBook Air, it's instead more likely that USB Type-C ports will be coming to the company's long-in-tooth MacBook Pro, which is due for both an update and a redesign.
In Apple's seemingly never-ending quest for thinness, it's expected that the next-generation MacBook Pro will be both thinner and lighter than current models. In seeing bits and pieces of a more portable MacBook Pro, it's possible that supply chain insiders simply assume the new ultraportable notebook will instead be branded as a next-generation MacBook Air.
However, the MacBook Air hasn't seen a significant update in years, it continues to feature a low-resolution non-Retina display, and its role in Apple's lineup has been severely diminished by the 12-inch MacBook.
It's expected that rather than updating the MacBook Air, Apple will simply let it fade out of the lineup. Keeping it around with outdated specifications allows Apple to hit lower-than-ever notebook price points --?the entry-level 11-inch model retails for $899, but can be bought for as low as $770 new from some resellers.
Apple's 2016 MacBook Pro, meanwhile, is rumored to see a complete redesign, featuring USB Type-C ports with speedy Thunderbolt 3 support. It's also rumored to feature an OLED touch bar to replace the row of function keys, and Touch ID integration for secure login --?claims that have been supported by leaked parts.
A chassis that surfaced in May showed a thinner-than-ever MacBook Pro design with four USB Type-C ports and no MagSafe, suggesting that the device could offer both power and data through USB much like the 12-inch MacBook.
Of course, it's inevitable that the MacBook Pro will adopt the new USB standard already featured by Apple in its smallest MacBook, but it's believed that the transition for the flagship notebook will take place soon -- this fall.
Rumors have pegged the new MacBook Pro for a fourth-quarter launch, which would indicate the notebooks are likely to be available no later than November. Anytime after that and Apple would miss out on the start of the lucrative holiday shopping season.
Comments
Magsafe is a great differenciator from the Bog Standard Windows Laptops.
Give me back an RJ45 port.
Ok, give me USB-C but keep at least one USB3 port and at least one Thundebolt 2 port.
Why all this?
We hate having to carry around frigging adapters everywhere we go.
A 4K screen sould be nice as would 32Gb RAM and 2TB of storage.
Not all of us are in places that are connected to the internet all the time.
Four nights in the Nevada desert with only the stars for company and a Sat Phone brought that home with a bang.
Let's keep in mind that when MagSafe was first introduced the standard power connector went deep into your device for a plug and the usage time on battery was rated at less than 50% what is possible on today's MacBook, which has a considerably more rigorous testing methodology than what Apple used a decade prior. Would be nice? Sure, but it's not the deal-breaker you make it out to be, especially when you're trying to mash it up into a data+power cable, instead of just a power cable.
Also keep in mind that Apple has been thinking about this a lot longer than you and I have. They even have a patent that would use the reversible MagSafe connector with its 4 pins (do you know there are 4 instead of 2?) with the very center being a fiber optic cable.
As as for the Mac Book Air/Pro discussion I don't get it really. Apple needs the Air due to the crippled nature of the Mac Book and its high costs. If there is any sense left with the management team at Apple they will come out with a new Mac Book Air and do so at a lower price point.
your kid won't have any problems coding on whatever rMBP you get her.
I have no desire for an Ethernet port and prefer the lightness. you carry an adapter.
1) sounds like an ultra portable isn't the appropriate choice for your desktop use case.
2) wifi brain radiation? you're grasping at straws now, buddy.
Griffin makes one. It leaves an obnoxious "stump" sticking out of the computer, but I imagine one could put the breakaway side on the charger instead. https://griffintechnology.com/us/breaksafe-magnetic-usb-c-power-cable
Since the connector would be strictly for power and not carry data, it only needs three leads for positive, negative, and ground, 5 to make it reversible (like Magsafe)
https://www.znaps.net