I tend to agree. It's an unpopular opinion on this site, but it is a bit more compact and also has less connection problems. For stuff like the Mouse, I charge mine maybe 3 times a year and the plug it uses is such a non-issue.
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All the Hardware Apple Still Sells With a Lightning Port
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You know, that's already occurred to many of us... The position and type of the charging port is just one reason why I wouldn't buy a Magic Mouse.
However - this also affects things like the Magic Trackpad (I don't think there's a comparable 3rd party trackpad) the Magic Keyboard (only option if you want touch ID on an iMac/Mini/Studio) - and Apple are still selling iMacs that come with Magic Mice and Keyboards as part of the price.
Plus, nobody should apologise for holding Apple to high standards for design and attention to detail. When they mess up, its fair comment to criticise them. This "well don't buy it then" is a truly vapid argument.
I literally just found out last week the MagSafe Duo Charger was discontinued when the iPhone 15 series was launched.
The availability of USB-C accessories is still so spotty that I don't get why it was discontinued without replacing it with a USB-C version right away (in case it was so important, meanwhile we all have Lightning cables handy).
And then Apple launched the iMac M3 with Lightning accessories, go figure.
The availability of USB-C accessories is still so spotty that I don't get why it was discontinued without replacing it with a USB-C version right away (in case it was so important, meanwhile we all have Lightning cables handy).
And then Apple launched the iMac M3 with Lightning accessories, go figure.
Both work, but just please pick one and stick to it already.
USB C is designed with the part most prone to damage/wear being on the cable side rather than the device side.. this is a big thing indeed... you're more likely to have to replace the cable, than your device.
My vintage Apple trackpads are powered by two AA cells and thus no cable is needed as data goes via Bluetooth. I have used Logitech ergonomic mice for decades. Apple mice were a waste of time for me.
Sure - until it wasn't.
Plus, these are Mac peripherals, yet the Mac has never featured Lightning ports.
The bizarre thing was that Apple were a major player in the development of USB-C, were one of the first to start using it on laptops (arguably before many users were ready to rely on it as the only port). The rechargeable versions of the Magic peripherals launched after the 12" USB-C only MacBook and at a time when the all-USB-C MBPs must have been in advanced development. It's a mystery why they didn't use USB-C from the get go.
Logitech mice are some of the best... I find them super comfortable.
Because the old 30 pin cables and then lightning cables were a great extra source of revenue.
I noticed you said "hanging onto…" Not "printing to"
Love to know if you're actually using it, and if so, what antique computer its connected to!
Cables and adapters? 🧐 What, are we supposed to use USB-C cables & adapters with... an adapter?
Also there are more AirPods besides the Max using lightning. In fact only the 2nd Gen AirPods Pro is currently available with USB-C.
Also there are more AirPods besides the Max using lightning. In fact only the 2nd Gen AirPods Pro is currently available with USB-C.
The problem is the USB-C receptacle isn’t robust enough because the I/O terminal is made of plastic and can be bent by the cable. You don’t see this problem with Lightning.
The 10,000 durability cycle tests with USB-C are all done with perfectly aligned mating/unmating cycles. In real use, there is stress from all angles.
6 ft USB to Parallel Printer Adapter - M/M
Add a Centronics parallel port to your desktop or laptop PC through USB
www.startech.com
Kidding, but I wish I would have kept my old printer now
3rd gen Airpods missing from this list.
Apple introduced the Lightning port in September 2012 with the launch of the iPhone 5. The connector was a significant change from the previous 30-pin connector used in Apple devices, offering a smaller, more efficient connection that could be inserted either way up, enhancing ease of use.
In September 2023, over a decade later, Apple caught up with the rest of the industry and removed the Lightning port from its flagship iPhone 15 series, replacing it with USB-C, the widely adopted standard used in electronics for connectivity and charging.
And yet the Lightning port lives on in a variety of hardware still sold by Apple. We've compiled this list of Lightning products in one place so you won't be surprised when your USB-C to USB-C cables don't fit your new purchase.
iPhone SE (2022)
Apple introduced the third-generation iPhone SE in March 2022. The $429 iPhone comes with an A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, and Touch ID for those who prefer a Home button. And a Lightning port.
iPhone 13
In 2021, Apple unveiled the iPhone 13 as the successor to the popular iPhone 12, with improved rear cameras, longer battery life, the A15 Bionic chip, and more. It starts at $599, Lightning port included.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 now sits in the middle of Apple's iPhone lineup below the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, but above the iPhone SE and iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 starts at $599, and is still highly capable for everyday use, if you love Lightning ports. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are priced at $699 and $799, respectively.
iPad (9th generation)
A lower-priced alternative to the latest 10th-generation iPad, the ninth-generation iPad has remained on sale since September 2021 and goes for $329 - $120 less than its successor. This device sports the A13 Bionic chip and an older design with a smaller display, but the Lightning port is the same size.
AirPods Max
Introduced in December 2020, the AirPods Max have now been in Apple's product lineup for three years. Apple is expected to replace the Lightning port for USB-C to comply with European regulations and for consistency across its AirPods lineup, but not until late 2024. Staying retro until then, but in a high-tech way.
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
There are three versions of the Apple Pencil that Apple still sells. This first version was released in 2015, the second version was released in 2018, and the third version was released in 2023. The first-generation has a Lightning adapter and charges by plugging into a lightning port on either an iPad or a charging adapter, the second-generation Apple Pencil charges wirelessly, but the latest Apple Pencil has a futuristic USB-C port.
Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard is sold in several variations by Apple, and all with a Lightning port for charging and connectivity. Even the newly announced M3 iMac is still accompanied by a Magic Keyboard with a Lightning port for pairing and charging, rather than USB-C as rumored.
Magic Mouse
The only mouse that insists on doing a backflip to recharge. It's almost a joke, but the $99 Magic Mouse still retains the clownish Lightning port on the underside. It's pretty amazing Apple still has this thing around, and is even prepared to ship new iMacs with one.
Magic Trackpad
Surprisingly, a Magic Trackpad with USB-C is still a fantasy. Technically, you could always buy a MacBook, but that works out pricier.
Cables and Adapters
Apple also sells a variety of cables and adapters that feature Lightning connections and ports, so keep an eye out if you're shopping Apple's accessories for your legacy devices.
Article Link: All the Hardware Apple Still Sells With a Lightning Port
True... but in all my time using USB C Ive not once had an issue.. in all my time using lightning... Ive had a few issues.
In any case, this point can be mute... strain relief on apple cables means that they fray within months if not handled carefully.
SO in both cases... careful handling is required.. for Apple cables.
Apple gets a cut when a lightning cable manufactured by 3rd party is sold (Remember all the fuss that went on when Lightning cable first came out and many say the cable is more $$ since it has a apple chip inside the plug). Of course apple will hold onto it as long as possible to milk money off the buyers.
Now the revenue stream is gone for the new phones and new devices apple will have to look for another source of revenue.
Now the revenue stream is gone for the new phones and new devices apple will have to look for another source of revenue.
The sound of a dot matrix printer... wonderful. For a short time.6 ft USB to Parallel Printer Adapter - M/M
Add a Centronics parallel port to your desktop or laptop PC through USB
Kidding, but I wish I would have kept my old printer now
View attachment 2311804
I like how very few consider the following on this topic:
1. Does anyone know what the surplus of lightning cables were in 2018? Does this affect Apple’s decisions?
2. A mouse and keyboard, in most cases, need the least frequent recharging compared to most other Apple devices. As such, does lightning vs usb-c make that big of a difference? Especially in a primarily stationary environment, where you leave the cable in a desk drawer versus having an extra cable in your book bag or purse.
3. I agree the Magic Mouse is a little ridiculous. At the same time, how long of a charge does it take to get hours out of it? Can you not take a bathroom break while it charges upside down? Aren’t we all supposed to be leaving our desks every once in a while for health reasons?
4. Lightning was/is a superior physical design. Not saying anything about charging or data speeds. But on a physical level that cable is so much better. Easier to clean lint out of the port and stronger as well. I wish usb-c was more similar to the design of the lighting port/cable or that Apple helped design usb-c with lightning as the backbone. USB-C is technically a male and female plug/port at the same time. What other pluggable device can you say that about? (Seriously, is there one?) It seems flawed just on that notion.
5. To echo a sentiment I hear here a lot…. A vast majority of the people on here making these superfluous posts/comments have bought at least one of these offending devices in the last 5 years. If you are this upset, why keep purchasing?
1. Does anyone know what the surplus of lightning cables were in 2018? Does this affect Apple’s decisions?
2. A mouse and keyboard, in most cases, need the least frequent recharging compared to most other Apple devices. As such, does lightning vs usb-c make that big of a difference? Especially in a primarily stationary environment, where you leave the cable in a desk drawer versus having an extra cable in your book bag or purse.
3. I agree the Magic Mouse is a little ridiculous. At the same time, how long of a charge does it take to get hours out of it? Can you not take a bathroom break while it charges upside down? Aren’t we all supposed to be leaving our desks every once in a while for health reasons?
4. Lightning was/is a superior physical design. Not saying anything about charging or data speeds. But on a physical level that cable is so much better. Easier to clean lint out of the port and stronger as well. I wish usb-c was more similar to the design of the lighting port/cable or that Apple helped design usb-c with lightning as the backbone. USB-C is technically a male and female plug/port at the same time. What other pluggable device can you say that about? (Seriously, is there one?) It seems flawed just on that notion.
5. To echo a sentiment I hear here a lot…. A vast majority of the people on here making these superfluous posts/comments have bought at least one of these offending devices in the last 5 years. If you are this upset, why keep purchasing?