Alongside the newly-announced 12″ MacBook, Apple today announced its first collection of USB-C accessories designed to expand the abilities of the ultra-thin laptop’s single data and power port. The smallest is a USB-C to USB Adapter ($19), which converts the MacBook’s USB-C port to standard USB “to connect devices such as your flash drive or camera” or “a “USB cable for syncing and charging your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.” It supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 for data…
A 29W USB-C Power Adapter ($49) looks like the middle child between Apple’s 12W USB Power Adapters for iPads and the 40W adapters it sells for MacBook Airs. The glossy white power cube does not include Apple’s USB-C Charge Cable, or a Power Adapter Extension Cable, both of which are sold separately.
The 2-meter USB-C Charge Cable ($29) has USB-C plugs on both ends and connects to the MacBook for charging. Apple notes that it supports USB 2 for syncing and data transfer between devices.
A USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter ($79) features three ports: a VGA monitor port, a USB port, and a USB-C port for charging. You can use it to mirror the MacBook’s screen to a 1080p display, as well as for the USB adapter features of the standalone USB-C to USB Adapter. It supports USB 3.1 Gen 1.
Finally, the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter ($79) includes one HDMI port for a self-supplied HDMI cable, one USB-C port for charging, and one standard USB port like the ones in the USB Adapter and VGA Multiport Adapter. It also supports USB 3.1 Gen 1.
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I’m curious how one would connect a Thunderbolt Display?
Thunderbolt Gen 1 and 2 don’t support USB 3.1, Type C or even 3.0 for that matter. An adapter wouldn’t have fixed this problem. However, Apple is releasing Thunderbolt 3 later in 2015. It’s not ready yet, because it’s developed with Intel and now Gen 3’s functionality is tied to Skylake chips – which will replace Broadwell shortly. I know. You’re thinking “But Broadwell just came out!” That’s true, but only because of delays. Now, you may wonder how a new MacBook without a Thunderbolt port or a Skylake chip will support a Thunderbolt Display.
Well, in short it won’t. That is unless Apple releases a firmware update for their Thunderbolt cables. Which they won’t. So it probably won’t support it. Considering the last time they updated it, I think we’ll see an update at WWDC, with a USB C port on the display itself.
Well you can support Thunderbolt per USB 3.1 (https://microsoft.eventcore.com/WinHEC/Shenzhen2015/en-US/schedule#/113261)
display connection is actually (technically) DisplayPort, which uses the same cable connection as Thunderbolt. USB C supports DisplayPort. It would only be a matter of a USB C to DisplayPort/Thunderbolt cable or adapter. Perhaps this will be available on apple’s web when MacBook is available?
I have a mid 2010 MacBook Pro with a mini DisplayPort connector, it is exactly the same as the Thunderbolt connector. Any DisplayPort monitor (Apple calls theirs “Thunderbolt”), can connect via a mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port. I currently have a second (HDMI) monitor connected via a mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. This same adapter can be used with any Mac w/Thunderbolt port.
From Apple’s web on the MacBook:
“Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840 by 2160 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors” That resolution can only be done via DisplayPort 1.2 or later (or dual HDMI ports, which this mac does not have).
…
“USB-C port with support for:
Charging
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps)
—Native DisplayPort 1.2 video output—
VGA output using USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter (sold separately)
HDMI video output using USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (sold separately)”
I’m sure OWC is hard at work making an all-in-one expansion device for this new USB C port.
Like someone mentioned before, do these things have to be MFi certified since its all USB based? Its not even surprising at the absurd prices they’re charging, just gonna wait for third party versions for fractions of the price.
Wonder if the thing even comes with a charger out of the box…
Come on.. It comes with a charger.. Those are just in case you need a replacement..
You get what you pay for. To answer your question: No. Apple, along with every other big player in the computing space lent engineers to the Universal Serial Bus Implementers Forum. They developed it together, and I believe if a company had a hand in developing the new standard they will be able to use it sans license. Third parties will have to pay licensing fees.
“Wonder if the thing even comes with a charger out of the box…”
From Apple’s website (Tech Specs) on MacBook:
“In the Box
MacBook
29W USB-C Power Adapter
USB-C Charge Cable (2 m)”
Does no one ever go to the source before making these kind of statements?
so will it work with a 27inch Thunderbolt monitor and a Belkin Thunderbolt hub which in turn connects to backup drives, DVD drive, Dymo label printer and more? Otherwise once again wasted money and equipment.
Will it run the same apps that now only run on iPhones or iPads? I feel cut off from iOS apps on my MacBook Air.
Fran
No. USB C and anything above 3.0 Type A do not work with Thunderbolt.
so how do you power this thing and run a usb device at the same time ?
Ever heard of a USB hub?
Yes, but a USB hub can’t power aka charge the MacBook.
@pbufs – actually USB 3.1 which is required for the USB-C connector can deliver a 100 watts of power by directionally. More than enough to charge a 29 watt MacBook.
There is basically no answer for you. Buy an accessory or go straight to hell.
a) USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter: “features three ports: a VGA monitor port, a USB port, and a USB-C port for charging.”
b) USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter: includes … one USB-C port for charging, and one standard USB port
There is basically no answer for you. By an accessory or go straight to hell.
You generally should not need to. It has about the same battery life as an iPad and in this regard use it similarly. In other words, you charge it at night.
In addition to adapters, the USB C standard allows for daisy chaining and power with data. So you can plug a monitor into the wall, plug the MacBook into the display via USB C and power the Mac while running the display.
So how do you hook this up to a Mini-Displayport monitor?????
This is a deal breaker for me. How am I supposed to connect it to my 4K display ?!
You might look at the limitations of the on board video before you set your sights to high..
This is for paulywalnuts23, from the ‘Tech Specs’ section of the new MacBook on the Apple website:
“Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840 by 2160 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors”
There is still hope for DisplayPort compatibility: http://viptest.9to5mac.com/2014/09/22/new-reversible-usb-type-c-rumored-for-12-inch-macbook-will-offer-full-displayport-functionality/
I am sure that will be released and if Apple doesn’t doesn’t make one someone else will. Like the article says “first round”..
Interesting… So on Apple’s mainstream line of laptops, Thunderbolt is dead.
Not at all. They upgraded the rest of the laptops to Thunderbolt 2. It’s only missing from this very lowest end of the MacBook line.
except starting at $1299 it’s the same price as the 13in rMBP. Hardly the lowest end MacBook.
Once Windows machines run USB-C, the availability of cheap fast USB-C devices will see the death of Thunderbolt. You can imagine Thunderbolt to USB-C converters to allow Mac users the cheaper choice. The Thunderbolt port might hang around for a while, until the next iteration of USB weilds the final blow.
To everyone saying Thunderbolt is dead – calm down. Thunderbolt was never meant to go mainstream. It has always been a premium connection. However, USB C will be mainstream and ubiquitous. Apple has capped it to 5gbps, however the theoretical speed of Type C is double that.
Now, Thunderbolt 3 is expected to be released later this year. It is tied directly to Skylake chips, which are slated for release in 2015. It is rumoured to double the speed of Gen 2 – resulting in a data transfer of 40gbps. Which is 8 times USB C. Transferring files in 1/8th the time will defiantly breath new life into Thunderbolt cables and devices, but again, only for professionals.
Ridiculous. How is this a step forward when you have to purchase 4 or 5 adapters to use the new port? VERY disappointing and even foolish. Maybe it makes it easier to build, but certainly makes it LESS EASY to use.
The market they are targeting for this will hardly ever use any of these adaptors minus the USB adaptor. The intention of this is to go completely wireless possible with things like airplay for video and wireless for data transfer..
That is the sacrifice one has to make if they want an all-day ultrabook this compact. Personally, it’s a deal breaker for me as well for other reasons, but I’ve already spoken to several coworkers who are DYING to pick up one of these, as it fits their needs like a glove.
Why couldn’t they do this with Thunderbolt 2? It’d seem like a great way to force users to actually care about it, which Apple is excellent for doing.
I meant Thunderbolt connection to my Apple Display?
Apple is changing to fast for my taste. You have to buy converters, converters and converters… And now also splitters…… Get tired of this.
You can over-design stuff Mister Johnny.
funny.. same time a year ago, everyone was complaining about apple being stale.. now its too fast. make up your mind ppl! :)
The new Macbook is the only one that doesn’t have at least one Thunderbolt port.
http://store.apple.com/us/mac/compare
This isn’t a Pro level laptop..
And the Air is what then? They have Thunderbult.
For the price of a few of those adapters, you can buy a pretty nice Chromebook which has superb ergonomics thanks to Google’s clever keyboard layout. This new MacBook is effectively a cloud computing machine (hence focus on wireless during the keynote), but very pricey, even if good quality. If you have a fast connection, a Chromebook will work wonders. And of course, assuming iCloud works in Chrome, then you can still access Apple generated content.
Yes, and you would also wonder if you saw how much did Google spy at you.
Didn’t take long for Google’s schills to arrive… Did you SERIOUSLY just compare a MacBook, running a FULL OS (OS X), to Google’s POS, spy-on-you craptastic sub-$100 plastic crap?
Please just leave.
I typed my comment on my 1TB SSD MB Pro 15″ Retina. I am not a Google shill. I use what works.
Then there’s no account for taste, because A) You’re using a POS and B) You are one of those people who empower organizations like the NSA by not giving a damn about your right to privacy and freely give it away to NSA stooges like Google, congrats.
I despise what the NSA and GCHQ do, but there is no evidence Google does the same. They serve ads based on contextual data, as do Apple in iOS.
Please don’t be that naive…
Google opose state surveillance. As does Apple.
They oppose on their PR statements, reality is very different
Google opose state surveillance. As does Apple.
Rather, let me rephrase, you recommend POS’s, can’t say you’re using one if you typed your comments on a MBP.
Finding myself agreeing with Edison for the second time in 24 hours (what is the world coming to).
Said the android fan boy
Err… how do I plug in my Thunderbolt display?
I am sure that adaptor is coming either from Apple or someone else.
So when that one connector you got breaks, you’re fucked.
Kinda like any connector.
Yeah, this adapter stuff is crazy. $80 if you want to plug in a USB device and be plugged into power at the same time for a $1200 laptop. Meanwhile dropping the thunderbolt standard too. This is super annoying.
It’s a toy mac.
I wouldn’t consider a product that required an adapter to use basic peripheral equipment. At this point, while wireless is great IF you have all the compatible wireless devices, technology is at a point where all devices should work with at least a general set of similar components, especially when those components are universal. Two of those basics (for me) are: USB and HDMI. It’s great that thunderbolt is “all that” and that there are adapters to use it, but come on, leave the frikin’ basics so that everything doesn’t have to be proprietary or exclusive. I love my Apple products, all nine of them, but this is stupid.
*I meant to reference USB-C and Thunderbolt together. At least Thunderbolt was an additional adapter option, but now people have no choice but to carry around different adapters to use things that should connect directly?
I look at this as Apple’s in-the-field testbed for USB-C. If it works out, maybe Apple will eventually replace lightning.
USB-C is a LOT better in than older USB connectors in EVERY way. Sadly, the USB-C connector is much larger and more fragile than Lightning, and I don’t see Apple compromising. Maybe there’ll be a USB-D?
It’s a MacBook, not a MacBook Pro!
If you need to connect 4K displays this ain’t for you!
Here, folks is how Apple makes insane amount of money. They keep making things smaller to save money on material and production costs. Hey! It’s a better product for the same amount of money they have always been charging – but now you have to buy all of the external devices that used to be included. Adapters, cables, hard drives. Now you bought a MacBook that costs practically the same as 7 years ago, but now you’ve had to pay 25% more in accessories.
This is a thunderbolt 2 over type C connector. That is why you need to pay for $79 for the video adapter.
It’s disappointing to see apple remove all ports except for a new and untested standard. Sure USB-C may be the future, but what if I want to charge my laptop and have an external HD plugged in at the same time, I need an accessory. That is ridiculous. Oh, need to transfer something quick from a component (the vast majority of which) still uses USB and you forget your accessory, you’re SOL. Sorry your brand new laptop can’t read USB drives out of the box, but don’t worry, it’s the future, you idiot.
And for everyone defending this preposterousness, I’m sure if Apple hadn’t been so merciful as to include a headphone jack you would all be singing the praises of Bluetooth this and that and saying that we never use our headphone cable anyway, and never mind the peons who still use headphones with cables, they need to get with the times.
Nope. You do not know what you are talking about.
They specifically mentioned DisplayPort support in the keynote, so where’s the adaptor for it?
seeing as the macbook itself is “Coming Soon”, I too expect the adapter to be “Coming Soon”
In the comments below, I think people are failing to see that Apple is looking to reposition the MacBook Air as a premium laptop. In terms of entry level to professional, they see MacBook, MacBook Air and then MacBook Pro.
I think we’ll see the MacBook in it’s current 12 inch form. Then the Air and Pro in 13 and 15inch models, with the Air transitioning at the next redesign. (Which will be thinner and lighter (Guess what? the Pro will too!), like the MacBook – but with features like Thunderbolt, more storage, PCIe3, etc) Next year, the second generation MacBook will come down in price – exactly like the Air did.
Apples only other possible play is that today’s update was to help them clear the Unibody enclosures they already have milled and then they’ll discontinue the Air lineup.
i doubt they’ll get rid of the Air. Give it a year or so for all the other changes to happen to the other lines and you should have the MacBook coming in at the lowest price the Air currently sits at. I mean, pay a premium for a new design now, wait a year for everything else to catch up, and that will no longer be new, so it will be easier for the macbook to be cheaper, the Air will gain a Retina Screen and have better performance then the MB and be a beefier comp, and the pro will be the pro.
Apppe should’ve included the accessory with the new MacBook because it’s almsof mandatory you have it.
Mourning the loss of magsafe, anyone else notice this?
USB-C probably doesn’t allow for this but the magsafe is a life saver.
I totally agree. The argument for a USB port is meh, b/c I rarely use an actual USB for anything. The mag safe? Brilliant! Alas, we have to make way for THE FUTURE! Which is actually the past apparently…
These are going to look so sleek hanging out of the Macbook 98% of the day. Charging and using a thumb drive? DONK! Way to kill features and require the purchase of a $79 accessory. Just build in the ports next time.
You forgot the new floor adapter! When you trip over the cord, your computer lands on the floor. Its brilliant. It now has ALL the features of a PC, including damage due to tripping, dog tugging on cable, cat being a dick, etc etc. Guess we finally caught up to the PC Manufacturers after all these years. Yay! wait….