The MacBook Air is ideal for Android users, poor for iPhone users

[Mildredop]

My MacBook Air arrived a couple of days ago, and the single best feature is the fact I can charge the Mac using my phone charger (or my phone using the Mac charger).

I now only need to carry one small charger rather than my phone charger and a heavy mag safe charger.

I can also use my wonderful Sennheiser headphones with both my phone and my new MacBook Air because they both have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

But if you have an iPhone, you can't do this. You'll need to bring your iPhone charger or, if you want to charge your iPhone off your Air, you'll at least need a Lightning to USBC adaptor.

So why have Apple done this? Why don't Apple's products interface with each other nicely whereas it works seamlessly with Android?

 

[tromboneaholic]

With the iPads adding USB-C, it looks like Apple will be moving to USB-C across the board next year.

 

[hans1972]

My MacBook Air arrived a couple of days ago, and the single best feature is the fact I can charge the Mac using my phone charger (or my phone using the Mac charger).

I now only need to carry one small charger rather than my phone charger and a heavy mag safe charger.

I can also use my wonderful Sennheiser headphones with both my phone and my new MacBook Air because they both have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

But if you have an iPhone, you can't do this. You'll need to bring your iPhone charger or, if you want to charge your iPhone off your Air, you'll at least need a Lightning to USBC adaptor.

So why have Apple done this? Why don't Apple's products interface with each other nicely whereas it works seamlessly with Android?

You probably haven't seen something called a USB-C-to-Ligtning cable.

 

[Mildredop]

You probably haven't seen something called a USB-C-to-Ligtning cable.

I can't see it in the box. Just a USBC to USBC cable which is perfect for connecting to both the Mac and my android phone.

Does a USBC to Lightning cable come with a new iPhone...?

(I'll give you a clue: no)

 

[Velin]

So why have Apple done this? Why don't Apple's products interface with each other nicely whereas it works seamlessly with Android?

The company probably should have moved to USB-C sooner. Though I can understand Apple's delay; currently USB-C is a total mess, with all manner of differing speed and power standards depending on port, cable, motherboard I/O, and target device. You need to look very carefully at what you are buying, else you'll end up with some junko USB-A 2.0 performance at a very expensive USB-C 3.2 price. I bet many thousands of people get duped every day. Also, USB-C external storage options still suck and are grossly overpriced, when compared with USB-A.

But USB-C will be the new Apple standard and Lightning will die, because USB-C already is outclassing it. It started with the new iPad Pro 11 and 12.9 (great devices), they have USB-C. All products will follow.

 

[Lioness~]

Everything cordwise is moving towards USB-C, get used to it.
USB-C is the future.
Meanwhile, buy a few cords, a hub, and you'll be fine.
Surely you can afford that if you can afford a MBA.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

I think the iPhone's lack the USB-C as currently it's only really used for charging/syncing with iTunes, so there's not a need for a feature fledged USB interface. The reason for moving to USB-C is just unity with other devices, which will happen, hopefully next year.

In the meantime though, I just use a USB-C/Lightning cable and it's all fine. Or a wireless pad.

I'm more concerned with the 3.5mm situation. I had my phone/ipad/macbook on the desk the other day, and I noticed I now needed 3 different adapters to plug in some headphones - which isn't great, one must just buy AirPods I suppose.

 

[Velin]

I'm more concerned with the 3.5mm situation. I had my phone/ipad/macbook on the desk the other day, and I noticed I now needed 3 different adapters to plug in some headphones - which isn't great, one must just buy AirPods I suppose.

Wired is still superior, especially headsets with mics for telephone calls and speaking

 

[jeremiah256]

My MacBook Air arrived a couple of days ago, and the single best feature is the fact I can charge the Mac using my phone charger (or my phone using the Mac charger).

I now only need to carry one small charger rather than my phone charger and a heavy mag safe charger.

I can also use my wonderful Sennheiser headphones with both my phone and my new MacBook Air because they both have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

But if you have an iPhone, you can't do this. You'll need to bring your iPhone charger or, if you want to charge your iPhone off your Air, you'll at least need a Lightning to USBC adaptor.

So why have Apple done this? Why don't Apple's products interface with each other nicely whereas it works seamlessly with Android?

Airports. I travel and love having access to charging stations just using my Lightning to USB-A cable out the box. That said, I'm already living the dongle life so when the switch happens, I'll be ready to carry an additional cable.

 

[Jimmy James]

Headphone adapter. Leave it on your headphones.

 

[Howard2k]

My MacBook Air arrived a couple of days ago, and the single best feature is the fact I can charge the Mac using my phone charger (or my phone using the Mac charger).

I now only need to carry one small charger rather than my phone charger and a heavy mag safe charger.

I can also use my wonderful Sennheiser headphones with both my phone and my new MacBook Air because they both have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

But if you have an iPhone, you can't do this. You'll need to bring your iPhone charger or, if you want to charge your iPhone off your Air, you'll at least need a Lightning to USBC adaptor.

So why have Apple done this? Why don't Apple's products interface with each other nicely whereas it works seamlessly with Android?

Yeah that's pretty complex. I'd return it for sure.

 

[Mildredop]

Everything cordwise is moving towards USB-C, get used to it.
USB-C is the future.
Meanwhile, buy a few cords, a hub, and you'll be fine.
Surely you can afford that if you can afford a MBA.

Who is this aimed at?
[doublepost=1542267847][/doublepost]

Headphone adapter. Leave it on your headphones.

Until you want to use the headphones in your MacBook Air and you need to remove the adaptor.

 

[Lioness~]

Who is this aimed at?

To whom it may concern. Tech evolution with cords changing is a fact.
It's not Apple's fault.

 

[Mildredop]

To whom it may concern. Tech evolution with cords changing is a fact.
It's not Apple's fault.

Well if it's aimed at me, I think you should read my OP again.

Everything I own how charges using USB-C - my phone, Go Pro, digital camera etc. etc. The only thing that didn't was my Mac, which the new MacBook Air has addressed.

I just can't believe how annoying it must be if you also have an iPhone and you don't have the convenience that having an Android phone gives you.

 

[tromboneaholic]

I just can't believe how annoying it must be if you also have an iPhone and you don't have the convenience that having an Android phone gives you.

You realize there are USB-C to lightning cables that address this made up issue you keep coming back to?

Anyone can charge an iPhone from an iPad or MacBook using it.

I don't understand the need to create a contrived controversy like this when there are actual issues that merit discussion.

 

[stratokaster]

Well, the OP's observation regarding the headphone interface isn't made up at all. If you own any recent MacBook, an iPhone 7 or newer and one of the new iPad Pros, you have to use two different adapters if you want to use your headphones with all three devices. Yes, AirPods are great (probably the best wireless headphones out there), but they provide only about 30% of the sound quality that my wired headphones provide, plus it's another thing that needs charging every day.

Regarding USB-C to Lightning cables: I own two, and I think 40 goddamn euros for a cable is absolutely ridiculous. The only reason Apple can get away with this highway robbery is because they apparently refuse to certify 3rd party cables. Oh well, at least they don't seem to self-destruct unlike Apple's regular cables.

 

[Ma2k5]

Well, the OP's observation regarding the headphone interface isn't made up at all. If you own any recent MacBook, an iPhone 7 or newer and one of the new iPad Pros, you have to use two different adapters if you want to use your headphones with all three devices. Yes, AirPods are great (probably the best wireless headphones out there), but they provide only about 30% of the sound quality that my wired headphones provide, plus it's another thing that needs charging every day.

Regarding USB-C to Lightning cables: I own two, and I think 40 goddamn euros for a cable is absolutely ridiculous. The only reason Apple can get away with this highway robbery is because they apparently refuse to certify 3rd party cables. Oh well, at least they don't seem to self-destruct unlike Apple's regular cables.

Apple's ports are an inconsistent mess, as is their iPad/MacBook product lineup at the moment. Give it a few more years and it'll probably all be resolved.