Apple's Studio Display uses a unique power connection, but don't pull it out
The Studio Display uses a non-standard power connector on the back, but while it is technically removable, most users shouldn't pull that cable out.
While most computer monitors on the market use a standard power connector that allows the cable to be plugged in and removed easily, Apple went down a different route for the Studio Display. It uses its own connection for the cable, as well as shipping the monitor with the cable attached and in place.
The design is a departure from the norm for Apple, as most of its Mac-related hardware uses removable power connectors. The similarly-styled 24-inch iMac uses a magnetic connection at the same spot that the power connects in the Studio Display, but here it is fixed in place.
While Apple hasn't directly addressed the power cable situation, it has said in support notes "The power cord is not removable." It is evident that the cable should stay where it is, and that end-users shouldn't try to pull it free.
The design decision has left some wondering what exactly has happened.
The problem with the connector type is its size. The C14 inlet, which is used to accept the C13 connector, is too deep to be feasibly included in thin computing deices. That's why Apple doesn't use it on the extremely thin 24-inch iMac, or on the slightly thicker Studio Display.
The C13 is a standard design used for monitor power cables, but the Studio Display is too thin to use it.
Eliminating that connector option presented Apple with the need to come up with a different solution. While using smaller connectors could've been an answer, that typically relies on there being an external power brick in use. As Apple kept the power supply internal, it rules out that as an idea.
Instead, Apple had to come up with its own power connector, to allow a cable that could feasibly be replaced to be connected securely. At the same time, the connector has to do so without Apple needing to sacrifice any extra thickness.
As demonstrated by Nilay Patel on Twitter, you could in fact pull out the plug from the power connector, to reveal a shallow and custom three-prong system in play.
Since it is so thin, it is difficult for Apple to make it an infinitely removable component like its standard counterpart. Instead, it is made to fit far more securely, so it doesn't accidentally get removed by the user.
It is likely that Apple advises against removing the cable due to the difficulty in doing so normally, without accidentally causing damage to the cable, its connections, nor the display itself.
To service the cable, Apple support actually uses a special tool to pull it free. Shown by @StellaFudge on Twitter and confirmed to be real by an AppleInsider source, the tool is a large circular drum with a handle, that the power cable is wrapped around before being pulled free from the monitor.
The tool's design and technique mean the cord is pulled evenly, without any torque off from the 90-degree removal axis.
Like Apple, AppleInsider advises against pulling the cable free unless it is absolutely necessary. You're more likely to break something in the process, if you're not careful.
Read on AppleInsider
While most computer monitors on the market use a standard power connector that allows the cable to be plugged in and removed easily, Apple went down a different route for the Studio Display. It uses its own connection for the cable, as well as shipping the monitor with the cable attached and in place.
The design is a departure from the norm for Apple, as most of its Mac-related hardware uses removable power connectors. The similarly-styled 24-inch iMac uses a magnetic connection at the same spot that the power connects in the Studio Display, but here it is fixed in place.
While Apple hasn't directly addressed the power cable situation, it has said in support notes "The power cord is not removable." It is evident that the cable should stay where it is, and that end-users shouldn't try to pull it free.
The design decision has left some wondering what exactly has happened.
Think different about power
Most users will be familiar with the C13 power cord, a three-pronged plug taking the form of a chunky rectangle with two corners cut away. This is a very common connector used throughout the computing industry for larger devices, including monitors and PCs.The problem with the connector type is its size. The C14 inlet, which is used to accept the C13 connector, is too deep to be feasibly included in thin computing deices. That's why Apple doesn't use it on the extremely thin 24-inch iMac, or on the slightly thicker Studio Display.
The C13 is a standard design used for monitor power cables, but the Studio Display is too thin to use it.
Eliminating that connector option presented Apple with the need to come up with a different solution. While using smaller connectors could've been an answer, that typically relies on there being an external power brick in use. As Apple kept the power supply internal, it rules out that as an idea.
Instead, Apple had to come up with its own power connector, to allow a cable that could feasibly be replaced to be connected securely. At the same time, the connector has to do so without Apple needing to sacrifice any extra thickness.
As demonstrated by Nilay Patel on Twitter, you could in fact pull out the plug from the power connector, to reveal a shallow and custom three-prong system in play.
Lol sure pic.twitter.com/ZryH9y1sBI
-- nilay patel (@reckless)
Since it is so thin, it is difficult for Apple to make it an infinitely removable component like its standard counterpart. Instead, it is made to fit far more securely, so it doesn't accidentally get removed by the user.
It is likely that Apple advises against removing the cable due to the difficulty in doing so normally, without accidentally causing damage to the cable, its connections, nor the display itself.
To service the cable, Apple support actually uses a special tool to pull it free. Shown by @StellaFudge on Twitter and confirmed to be real by an AppleInsider source, the tool is a large circular drum with a handle, that the power cable is wrapped around before being pulled free from the monitor.
The Studio Display Power Cable Removal Tool is absolutely wild! pic.twitter.com/MoCY0pCdXt
-- Stella - Fudge (@StellaFudge)
The tool's design and technique mean the cord is pulled evenly, without any torque off from the 90-degree removal axis.
Like Apple, AppleInsider advises against pulling the cable free unless it is absolutely necessary. You're more likely to break something in the process, if you're not careful.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
I bet the Power Cord Removal Accessory runs about $600.
And not to mention the fact that the monitor supplies 96 watts of power to a connected notebook, requiring an even beefier power brick that could supply power for both the monitor and a notebook.
A lot of unnecessary complication, when it's simpler (and still not exactly "simple") to stick with a standard power input. Of course Apple chooses the third option which is worse in all regards.
This is a non-issue. My HomePod cable doesn’t come off, my receiver’s cable doesn’t come off, my favorite lamp cable doesn’t come off, my table saw cable doesn’t come off. This one does if you’re careful, great. Yet still the outrage machine seeks to manufacturer clicks because Apple.
Not to mention that bricks require additional connections, grommets, and a hard plastic case wrapped around the whole thing.
And not to mention (though I will) that if you have two or three Studio Monitors on your desk you'ed have to deal with two or three rather large bricks lying around your floor.
For heavens sake people, it's a power cord. At least Apple made the silly thing removable and replaceable (unlike, say, the Home Pod).
If anything, Apple invented a fourth way, as they already have the magnetic connector from the iMac that could probably have been adapted for this display. That thing is bad too, but creating another proprietary cable, and this one being non-removable is just utter mindless garbage.
Anything without a removable power cable is garbage, no thank you.
There's already a stand and cable hanging off the back, and existing cable solutions for them to work with. They could have revolutionised power bricks, patented a new method, gotten creative like you expect from them. Instead, they've installed what is by far the worst power cable solution I've seen in 20 years, and they invested manpower in developing it for this one display.
I'd much rather have a USB C connecting it, nice and neat, with a separate power source for charging things. Which I already have, as do most people.