Apple Releases Shorter 0.5-Meter Lightning to USB Cable, Tweaks In-Ear Headphones

MacRumors · Feb 14, 2013, 01:05 PM

Following its move to introduce a shorter Thunderbolt cable last month, Apple has made a similar move in launching a new 0.5-meter Lightning to USB cable.

The new cable is half the length of the standard Lightning to USB cable and provides an option for users looking for less cable clutter in more confined spaces. Interestingly, there is no price difference between the two cable lengths, with both cables priced at $19.

New remote design (left) compared to old design (right)

Apple has also made a minor tweak to its In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic. The only visible difference on the $79 earphones compared to their predecessor is a more rounded design for the remote, in line with the remote seen on the company's EarPods launched late last year.

(Thanks, Craig!)

Article Link: Apple Releases Shorter 0.5-Meter Lightning to USB Cable, Tweaks In-Ear Headphones

adcx64 · Feb 14, 2013, 01:08 PM

really odd how the new cables are the same price... Possibly an error?

BvizioN · Feb 14, 2013, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adcx64

really odd how the new cables are the same price... Possibly an error?

Why would it be different? Does the same thing, right?

It's just some may prefer it shorter

MsQueen · Feb 14, 2013, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BvizioN

Why would it be different? Does the same thing, right?

It's just some may prefer it shorter

But wasn't the price of the shorter Thunderbolt cable cut? Does the same thing, right?

bedifferent · Feb 14, 2013, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BvizioN

Why would it be different? Does the same thing, right?

It's just some may prefer it shorter

Next time I buy razor blades I'll remove half the package before checkout. Why not? They do the same thing, just don't need as many.

Personally, I need a LONGER cable. Having to position myself closer to either a USB or outlet connection while using my iPad is a PITA.

mytdave · Feb 14, 2013, 01:31 PM

I know this isn't big news, but the new switch/buttons on the headphones is a big deal for me. It's awesome, and about time. I'm willing to buy new ones just for this reason alone.

The rounded edges of the switch/buttons will help prevent that section from getting snagged on clothing, which happens to me all the time with the old design - which is very, very annoying.

Thank you Apple for making an improvement in a small thing (sweating the details).

CalWizrd · Feb 14, 2013, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mytdave

I know this isn't big news, but the new switch/buttons on the headphones is a big deal for me. It's awesome, and about time. I'm willing to buy new ones just for this reason alone.

The rounded edges of the switch/buttons will help prevent that section from getting snagged on clothing, which happens to me all the time with the old design - which is very, very annoying.

Thank you Apple for making an improvement in a small thing (sweating the details).

I agree with you 100%. Several years back I sent an email to SJ asking him if anyone at Apple wore button-down shirts, because if they did they would have discovered what a PITA the squared edges were.

Never got a response.

gdbleb · Feb 14, 2013, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mytdave

I know this isn't big news, but the new switch/buttons on the headphones is a big deal for me. It's awesome, and about time. I'm willing to buy new ones just for this reason alone.

The rounded edges of the switch/buttons will help prevent that section from getting snagged on clothing, which happens to me all the time with the old design - which is very, very annoying.

Thank you Apple for making an improvement in a small thing (sweating the details).

Agreed. This is a major annoyance for me. The level of the control is right below the collar of a man's shirt. Turn my head to the right and it rises and catches on my collar - all the time, every time.

BvizioN · Feb 14, 2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedifferent

Next time I buy razor blades I'll remove half the package before checkout. Why not? They do the same thing, just don't need as many.

That's the best analogy you could come up with?

We are talking about length, not a package. If you remove the half of the razor blade package that means less shaving times. Now tell me, does the lightning cable by being short charges or synchronises your phone less then the longer one. I bet it doesn't

But i wasn't aware the different sized thunderbolt cables have difference on price.

Furifo · Feb 14, 2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedifferent

Next time I buy razor blades I'll remove half the package before checkout. Why not? They do the same thing, just don't need as many.

Personally, I need a LONGER cable. Having to position myself closer to either a USB or outlet connection while using my iPad is a PITA.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B001TH7GV4/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1360870615&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

Been using that with my iphone 5 since September. I have noticed no significant difference in charging times - it works really well! I highly recommend getting it.

A friend of mine has the longer 1.8m version which she tells me works just as good.

If you're in the US, there will be some available on amazon.com rather than the .co.uk variant.

KylePowers · Feb 14, 2013, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedifferent

Personally, I need a LONGER cable. Having to position myself closer to either a USB or outlet connection while using my iPad is a PITA.

Or you could buy a USB extension cable. I have 2 6ft ones that I bought for the price of a soda. Thus, I can now sit 15ft away from my outlet/USB port

bedifferent · Feb 14, 2013, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KylePowers

Or you could buy a USB extension cable. I have 2 6ft ones that I bought for the price of a soda. Thus, I can now sit 15ft away from my outlet/USB port

I have a few left when Apple used to produce them, and a few third party. Also have a few USB/Wall Outlet combo's which frees up outlet space. However, some extension cables don't charge when used in conjunction with Apple's current cables (let's not discuss the 30-pin and lightning connections on differing models/devices). Just wish there would be a larger cable option as well as the shorter cables.

Jsameds · Feb 14, 2013, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BvizioN

Why would it be different? Does the same thing, right?

It's just some may prefer it shorter

So smaller TV's should be the same price as larger ones? They do the same job, right..?

Small White Car · Feb 14, 2013, 01:37 PM

I really wish Apple had priced this $0.006 less than the longer cable just to make the complainers happy by accounting for the price of materials.

Then they could round up.

OldSchoolMacGuy · Feb 14, 2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Small White Car

I really wish Apple had priced this $0.006 less than the longer cable just to make the complainers happy by accounting for the price of materials.

Then they could round up.

Pretty much. The cabling isn't what costs anything. Costs pennies for 100ft of cable. It's the connectors, the IC, and the manufacturing that make up most of the cost.

doug in albq · Feb 14, 2013, 01:53 PM

I am the first to notice that the new Headphones remote also has reinforced area where connected to cable itself?

Jalopybox · Feb 14, 2013, 01:38 PM

Everyone chokes on the $79 headphone price, but dual driver headphones with the nice volume/mic feature are not that cheap from any other manufacturer.

BvizioN · Feb 14, 2013, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsameds

So smaller TV's should be the same price as larger ones? They do the same job, right..?

Another daft analogy

They don't. Bigger screen offers different experience.

Jsameds · Feb 14, 2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BvizioN

Another daft analogy

They don't. Bigger screen offers different experience.

Agreed, silly analogy, but it doesn't change the fact pretty much every other type of cable increases in price the longer it gets.

bedifferent · Feb 14, 2013, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BvizioN

Another daft analogy

They don't. Bigger screen offers different experience.

Wow, you're just the trolling analogy queen, aren't ya?

unplugme71 · Feb 14, 2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BvizioN

Another daft analogy

They don't. Bigger screen offers different experience.

So does the length of the cable. If its too long it clutters, if its to short, I can't use it while plugged in to a wall charger.

pnoyblazed · Feb 14, 2013, 01:41 PM

that smaller cable length would be perfect to put in my car

World Citizen · Feb 14, 2013, 01:48 PM

OMG

So you people want MORE for your money eh....

Look here look here!!!
Its the power suply of the Microsoft Surface...

>>>>> YOU GET MUCH MORE MORE MOre more mr..... <<<<<<<

Who doesn't want MORE MORE MORE!!!!

So... go buy the stupid Surface thing, and have more power cord than all the iPad losers like me...

SpiderDude · Feb 14, 2013, 01:49 PM

New one looks less prone to get caught by edges. Good.
(the remote, naturally)

frayne182 · Feb 14, 2013, 01:55 PM

$79 for Apple Headphones?

lol no thanks.

Feb 14, 2013, 01:05 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Apple Releases Shorter 0.5-Meter Lightning to USB Cable, Tweaks In-Ear Headphones Following its move to introduce a shorter Thunderbolt cable last month, Apple has made a similar move in launching a new 0.5-meter Lightning to USB cable. The new cable is half the length of the standard Lightning to USB cable and provides an option for users looking for less cable clutter in more confined spaces. Interestingly, there is no price difference between the two cable lengths, with both cables priced at $19. New remote design (left) compared to old design (right) Apple has also made a minor tweak to its In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic. The only visible difference on the $79 earphones compared to their predecessor is a more rounded design for the remote, in line with the remote seen on the company's EarPods launched late last year. (Thanks, Craig!) Article Link: Apple Releases Shorter 0.5-Meter Lightning to USB Cable, Tweaks In-Ear Headphones
	0

Feb 14, 2013, 01:31 PM	#6
mytdave macrumors 6502 Join Date: Oct 2002	headphones I know this isn't big news, but the new switch/buttons on the headphones is a big deal for me. It's awesome, and about time. I'm willing to buy new ones just for this reason alone. The rounded edges of the switch/buttons will help prevent that section from getting snagged on clothing, which happens to me all the time with the old design - which is very, very annoying. Thank you Apple for making an improvement in a small thing (sweating the details).
	3

Feb 14, 2013, 01:53 PM	#16
doug in albq macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2007	I am the first to notice that the new Headphones remote also has reinforced area where connected to cable itself? __________________ http://dougitdesign.com/blog
	1

Feb 14, 2013, 01:49 PM	#24
SpiderDude macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portugal, Europe	Better ergonomics New one looks less prone to get caught by edges. Good. (the remote, naturally) __________________ Mac'on
	0

Feb 14, 2013, 01:55 PM	#25
frayne182 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Canada	$79 for Apple Headphones? lol no thanks. __________________ Custom Gaming PC ; Google Nexus 7 ; iPhone4 ; iPhone5
	0

Feb 14, 2013, 01:08 PM	#2
adcx64 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The Moon	really odd how the new cables are the same price... Possibly an error?
	5

Feb 14, 2013, 01:37 PM	#14
Small White Car macrumors G3 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Washington DC	I really wish Apple had priced this $0.006 less than the longer cable just to make the complainers happy by accounting for the price of materials. Then they could round up.
	2

Feb 14, 2013, 01:38 PM	#17
Jalopybox macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2012	Everyone chokes on the $79 headphone price, but dual driver headphones with the nice volume/mic feature are not that cheap from any other manufacturer.
	3

Feb 14, 2013, 01:41 PM	#22
pnoyblazed macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Manhattan	that smaller cable length would be perfect to put in my car
	5

Feb 14, 2013, 01:48 PM	#23
World Citizen macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2011	OMG So you people want MORE for your money eh.... Look here look here!!! Its the power suply of the Microsoft Surface... >>>>> YOU GET MUCH MORE MORE MOre more mr..... <<<<<<< Who doesn't want MORE MORE MORE!!!! So... go buy the stupid Surface thing, and have more power cord than all the iPad losers like me...
	3

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