Apple still hasn’t owned up to inventing USB-C, the brand new connector featured on its 12-inch MacBook — but Apple patents have all but tied the technology to Cupertino. The latest describes how a do-it-all connector that fits USB-C’s description is going to make every other port you’re using obsolete.
Entitled “Unified connector for multiple interfaces,” the patent application lays out plans for a unified, multipurpose connector and circuitry that “may reduce the number of connector receptacles that are needed on an electronic device.”
Just like the USB-C port on the MacBook, Apple’s invention uses its own interface and is capable of transferring both data and power, but it’s also backwards-compatible with almost everything else.
With the right adapter, then, the port will send and receive signals via traditional USB, USB2, and USB3; HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort; Ethernet; Thunderbolt, and many more. Apple even suggests the connector could replace Lightning.
It still seems unlikely that will happen just yet. Lightning is only just over two years old, and lots of users complained when Apple finally ditched its old 30-pin connector after nine years. But the company’s new solution is certainly a capable (and likely) successor.
Some reports have suggested, however, that Apple’s rumored iPad Pro, which is expected to make its debut later this fall, could feature both Lightning and USB-C connectors, potentially opening the door to all kinds of new accessories.
The whole purpose of this connector is to fix the messy and confusing system we already have, in which our computers, smartphones and tablets, cameras, and other gadgets all use different cables that plug into different connectors.
“This may cause an electronic device to have a number of connector receptacles, which can result in customer confusion, may increase device cost and complexity, and lend a non-optimal appearance to the electronic device,” Apple explains.
“Thus, it would be desirable to reduce the number of connector receptacles that are needed on an electronic device.”
You could argue that Apple has contributed to the mess by insisting on using its own proprietary connectors for the iPhone, iPad, and iPods, but at least it’s working to fix it now.
The irony is, Apple’s connector — which may or may not be USB-C — is only going to create more confusion initially. Until it has wiped out every other connector, it’s just another one to add to the list. It’s another port you need to buy new cables and adapters for.
This fresh patent application, which was published today but first filed in October 2014, still doesn’t confirm for sure that Apple was solely responsible for USB-C. But its seemingly identical footprint certainly strengthens those claims.
Source: WIPO
Via: PatentlyApple
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
16 responses to “Apple patent explains how USB-C will make every other connector obsolete”
ONE CABLE TO RULE THEM ALL!!!!!
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Why have comment open if you don’t want them lol
So Apple invented it but agreed that Nokia could be first to market with it with the N1 Android tablet. Riiiight.
Could you point us to any article to back up your statement that Apple invented USB-C? Because they’ve never claimed they had, no-one has. USB-C has be a collaboration of many tech companies, Apple being one of them. I look forward to reading such an article, or better still, you shutting your idiot face.
I love the smell of passive aggressive comments in the morning.
Oh how cute, a troll. Will you find your way to the exit yourself or do we have to call you a taxi?
Even cuter: a troll calling a troll a troll.
Even even cuter: a troll calling a troll a troll a troll. Um…
And so, what does that make you? OMG! Will it never end?! ;-)
And 7 million adapters….
for now, in the future however, everything will be USB C and we won’t have any other USB.
ok.. with some time i believe it will be widely adopted but still, a device like a macbook needs more then one port, i usually have the charger plugged, a usb drive, sometimes my phone to charge, a usb flash drive, an external monitor… we need more ports (and the adapters for now)
My husband was given some great advice on his last trip into the Apple store to fix my daughter’s slow computer. The store manager said that anybody who is using a Mac or a MacBook should never freak out if it starts going slow sometimes. It’s 100% annoying 100% of the time, but most of them can be easily fixed unlike Windows. I switched because of the functionality that Apple offers. There’s free software available on TINYURL.COM/MACBOOKDETOX that will make it run like new again and maintain it :) Just stay on top of that clutter!
Also, it seems disingenuous to put only ONE of these connectors on your flagship device, thereby forcing customers who are highly mobile to “invest” in adapters, dongles, and adapters to accommodate all of their existing devices.
LOL at Apple can’t invent jack..wow