Why MacBooks Only Have USB-C Ports

Apple’s MacBook models used to feature an array of ports. Including HDMI and USB-A. But in recent years, MacBooks have had one type: USB-C. Making it difficult to connect existing cables and accessories. So why did Apple make this decision? Well that’s what I’ll explain right now.

[AMIRBENDABI]

Apple likes to keep its MacBooks clean by omitting nearly all the ports but not realizing that the adapters eventually will give the MacBook an even more cluttered look.

[mahadaalvi]

Tbh, in theory this is a great idea. In practice however, it’s a terrible idea unless you universally eliminate all other ports across the entire lineup of your products.

[c.j.hatton]

the way he tries to justify apple's decisions makes my head hurt. why not just say in every video that apple just wants more money?

[SKYGamingYT]

Tim Cook: Eats and Drinks
Apple Explained: "Why does Tim Cook Eat and Drink?"

[archertor]

One port only = Buy more cables

Apple’s stonks 101

[biz]

Apple missed a golden opportunity about 5-6 years ago to change every single port on every single Apple device into USB-C. It would have simplified their whole product range. But they sadly doubled down with lightning.

[austinghost]

My problem with that decision was not being able to use flash drives. I agree that it simplifies charging but at least one usb-a would’ve been nice.

[funnykai]

*because apple realized they can make a lot of money by making dongles. see you next video 🤣

[nickwallette]

"Their number one reason for the change was to actually make things simpler for the user."

No. I don't know how anybody can say that with a straight face. Apple has always been aggressive about dropping legacy features, and moving the ball forward with future standards. And I do believe that's what this is -- Apple pushing the industry to move on.

Yes, there's profit to be made on adapters. But I'm not convinced those are really "high margin" products. Connectors are way more expensive than people think they are, and many of the adapters you need when all you have is USB C ports, and nearly zero USB C devices, require complex protocol conversion -- i.e., active electronics dealing with high-speed signals and significant intelligence to handle the device-to-device negotiation that is commonplace with all these fancy ports. That isn't trivial, and therefore, not cheap.

Apple knew darn well that these changes would be inconvenient and frustrating. But Apple's leadership cares more about form than function these days. They make great hardware, but a lot of is has gone backwards in usability over the last few product generations.

"Is this simpler for the user?" That's a lens Jobs would run every product through. "Is this design technically more impressive than the previous iteration?" That one's Ive. "Is this going to increase profitability or market share?" And that's Cook. The three of them were engaged in a tug of war that, I think, led to remarkable products. It's lopsided now.

How is having a bag full of dongles "simpler"? Transitions don't happen over night.

[six]

also, real motivation: generic port to increases mass production and profit margins

[rpe]

expectation: they made it to sell adapters to enourmus prices

[moti]

The problem with Apple is that they force you into doing what they want. Meanwhile, other companies give you a choice, by giving you a USB-C port alongside other ports. This is a better way to create a transition period.

But it's not just computer manufacturers that need to make a transition. The companies making peripherals/products need to start using USB-C. And so far, this is happening at a fairly slow rate. Portable products simply need to include a cable which has USB-C on the charger/PC end, which a lot of phones are doing nowadays, but not so much for everything else. Want to eliminate video ports like HDMI and DP? Well, USB-C has been on the market for a few years now, and monitors, which are known to have multiple display outputs, barely have USB-C!!

[Happyfaceshock]

For the first time I just imagined a world where all cables are one… No HDMI, just USB C. No mini display, or aux, or high speed data, or Ethernet, or anything. Just one cable. One cable to rule them all. One cable to find them. One cable to bring them all. And in the darkness bind them. In the land of silicone where the chipsets lie.

[michaelbuckelew]

There are still monitors sold with VGA ports. I seriously couldn’t believe it when I was shopping for one recently. The ones with anything newer than HDMI were too expensive for my needs, so I just bought a $15 adapter. It also helps to have one of the MacBook Pros with four ports.

[zhongxina]

14" and 16" macbook pro: Imma end this man's whole career

[ckq]

This man is basically a walking apple ad disguised as "Apple Explained"

[evileyez]

Almost Everything you use to hook on your computer uses USB A, your printer, your mouse, your flash drive, your external hard drive, anything, never in my life have I seen a usb C be use for anything but charging a phone and it goes INTO the phone while the other half is USB A into a computer or wall

[mvx]

I love the old magsafe charger..I have a 2015 macbook air.. its damn slim anyway.

[davesharp]

At some point, around 2013 or so, I stopped caring if my MacBook was thinner. I wish Apple would stop focusing on that and think a little bit more about cooling and some ports.

[StanleyMunson]

I actually like the concept of just having one or two types of ports, I imagine it does make things easier for users who wouldn’t have used all the other ports anyway.

What I don’t like is that they’re so stingy with those ports! Why does a Mac ship with only 2 USB-C ports? One will almost always be kept open for power, which gives you a single spare port for accessories