Apple is offering discounts in the range of $6 to $20 on all of its USB-C adapters for the MacBooks, and some of its USB-C cables.
Apple is trying to fix the most common issue of expensive replacement parts and available ports with its refreshed MacBook Pro, by cutting prices for all of its USB-C adapters. The move comes a week after consumers started complaining about the lack of ports and SD card slot on Apple's latest product.
The newly announced MacBook Pro, like 2015's MacBook, features only USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports. The base variant, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, offers two USB-C ports, while the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar offer four USB ports. Apple is considering USB-C as one port to rule all, and with the new MacBook/MacBook Pro, you even need a separate adapter to connect to your iPhone.
The new USB-C standard is the port of the future. Most Android phones have switched to USB-C for data/charging, while some are using it for even audio. Even Windows PC makers are adding USB-C to their devices for charging and data. While the new standard is really useful, the time is possibly too early for it being the only port. With the new MacBook Pro, Apple users feel that the 'Pro' word is not justified since it compromises by dropping the SD card slot, MagSafe Port and regular USB port.
In a statement, Apple explains the moves to cut prices on adapter as, "We recognize that many users, especially pros, rely on legacy connectors to get work done today and they face a transition. We want to help them move to the latest technology and peripherals, as well as accelerate the growth of this new ecosystem. Through the end of the year, we are reducing prices on all USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals we sell, as well as the prices on Apple's USB-C adapters and cables."
- USB-C to traditional USB adapter from $19 to $9
- Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter from $49 to $29
- USB-C to Lightning cable (1 meter) from $25 to $19
- USB-C to Lightning cable (2 meters) from $35 to $29
- Multiport adapter with HDMI, USB, and USB-C from $69 to $49
- Multiport adapter with VGA, USB, and USB-C from $69 to $49
The use of a dongle to connect a regular USB drive or iPhone is going to be a hassle, and Apple seems to understand the pain. Apple is offering discounts in the range of $6 to $20 on all of its USB-C adapters and some of its USB-C cables. Apple is offering discounts on some of third-party USB-C peripherals, as well. The Belkin 2.0 USB-C to USB-B printer cable is now retailing for $14, against the regular price of $20. There is also a steep discount of $20 on SanDisk's Extreme Pro USB-C SD card reader.
Apple says that the discounted adapters will be available at physical and online stores, through the end of the year. However, it would have been great if Apple took cues from PC makers and started shipping the dongles in box.
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