USB-C cables

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on USB-C cables:

Connect Mac or iPad to high-res monitor with new USB/HDMI adapter from Satechi

By

Satechi USB-C to HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter and Cable
Satechi just launched a trio of USB C adapters that increase users' display and connectivity options.
Photo: Satechi

You can connect the USB-C port on your MacBook directly to a high-resolution monitor without a hub using Satechi’s new HDMI adapter. And there’s also a version with a built-in 2-meter cable for easier connections.

In addition, the accessory-maker also just launched a USB-C Ethernet Adapter that offers up to 2.5 Gigabit data transfers.

These are the only two M3 MacBook Pros you should buy [The CultCast]

By

The CultCast episode 620. These are the only two M3 MacBook Pros you should buy.
Not every M3 MacBook Pro is created equal.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Erfon breaks down the specs/performance of Apple’s recently released MacBook Pro lineup, and he’s convinced there are only two models any sane person would buy. Listen to found out which models make the grade!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple reportedly slammed the breaks on the development of next year’s iPhone and Mac operating systems to concentrate on busting bugs. But was the pause really that big of a deal?
  • Elgato made a simple, smart change to its USB-C cables — and every manufacturer should follow suit.
  • An intriguing rumor indicates Apple might have a battery breakthrough in the works.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

X-rays show crazy complexity of Apple’s Thunderbolt 4 cable

By

X-rays reveal the differences between high-quality Thunderbolt and USB-C cables versus cheaper options.
X-rays reveal the differences between high-quality Thunderbolt and USB-C cables versus cheaper options.
Photo: Lumafield

Thunderbolt cables cost far more than standard USB-C ones, and a series of X-ray scans of various options reveals why. The virtual teardown shows that the Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C) Pro cable has far more features than one might expect for such a simple accessory. Cheaper ones are as bare-bones as could be expected.

The scans are both beautiful and informative.

Limited-time price drop: Get a 6-in-1 charging cable for less than $17

By

Don't miss this 6-in-1 charging cable for just $20.
USB-C, Lightning, USB-A, micro-USB ... this 5-foot cable can make all the connections.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Is Apple’s switch to USB-C from Lightning driving you a bit bonkers searching for the exact right cable? The inCharge X Max — a six-in-one cable with swappable tips that can handle USB-C, Lightning and more — can ease the transition.

It’s 5 feet long, tough as nails and serves up just about any combination of connections that you could need. And for a limited time, it costs just $16.97, thanks to an exclusive price drop.

This 4-tipped cable does USB-C, Lightning and Apple Watch

By

Score this multi-purpose charging cord for all your Apple devices, now only $19.99.
Power up your Apple gear the easy way for less than $20 with this 4-in-1 charger .
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The iPhone 15 lineup switched to USB-C, and eventually that will mean we all get to enjoy the simplicity of using only one cable to charge all our Apple devices. Eventually. Until then, you likely need a variety of different cables to keep your Apple gear charged.

Luckily, the 4-in-1 USB cable — with USB-C, Lightning and an Apple Watch charging puck — is help you through the transition period. For only $19.99, you can charge four of your favorite Apple devices simultaneously.

Best USB-C cables and chargers for iPhone 15

By

These are the best USB-C cables and chargers for iPhone 15.
You can never have too many cables.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

One of the best things about iPhone 15 is arguably its USB-C port, which makes connectivity a whole lot simpler. It means you can finally charge your iPhone with the same cables and chargers you might use for other devices, like iPad Pro, MacBook Air, Nintendo Switch and lots more.

If you don’t own any of those and you need to stock up on USB-C accessories, fear not. We rounded up the best USB-C cables and chargers you can buy right now for iPhone 15.

iPhone 15 cable might be its biggest surprise [The CultCast]

By

The CultCast episode 609: Logo plus a braided blue USB-C cable.
An iPhone cable hasn't caused this much commotion since Lightning arrived on the scene more than a decade ago.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re hearing all kinds of rumors about the USB-C cable(s) that will come with iPhone 15 models. Will they be colorful? Braided? Fast? Slow? We’ve got some leaks and some informed speculation — and probably just enough cable to hang ourselves with.

Erfon’s out this week, but we’ve got a special guest you won’t want to miss!

Also on The CultCast:

  • The Vision Pro gasp heard ’round the world!
  • Why you might want to wash the nasty stuff off your Apple Watch band.
  • Leander’s new e-book Unsung Apple Hero showcases the innovative work of Bas Ording, the Apple designer who worked closely with Steve Jobs to create the look and feel of the iPhone and more.
  • Griffin walks us through some useful Apple apps hiding on your Mac. (Hello again, Stickies!)

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Apple’s iPhone 15 cables could be limited to sluggish data transfers

By

Apple's iPhone 15 cables could be limited to sluggish data transfers
The USB-C cable that comes with iPhone 15 might not be very fast.
Photo: Apple

USB-C cables that will ship with the iPhone 15 series allegedly will support only USB 2.0. If true, that will limit data transfers to a relatively poky 480Mbps, far below the maximum speed of the more recent USB 3.2 Gen 2.

However, other reports say the actual USB-C port in the iPhone 15 is much faster.

XuperCable’s 3 retractable connectors quick-charge your gear [Review] ★★★

By

It's a funny-looking critter, but it's useful.★★★
It's a funny-looking critter, but it's useful.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

In a world of ever-more-compact-and-potent chargers, Mobfree launched a surprising and innovative entrant Wednesday on Kickstarter. It’s XuperCable, a three-in-one gadget with three retractable connectors to fast-charge a variety of devices at up to a 100 watts

It’s a funny-looking critter with its tentacles (cables), but it’s quite useful. It sticks to surfaces, it rotates and its three cables unspool and retract — what could possibly go wrong? Not much, as it turns out. The company sent me a XuperCable to try out.

This 3-way cable charges iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at once

By

Just in time to go back to school, save more than $18 on this highly rated 3-in-1 charging cable.
Get more than half off this five-star 3-in-1 charging cable for your Apple devices in our Back-to-School Sale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Why carry three separate cables when a reliable three-way charging cable can keep all your gadgets charged and ready?

This three-in-one USB-C charging cable for Apple Watch, iPhone and AirPods is ideal for the job. And during our Back-to-School Sale, you can grab it for just $16.97, a savings of more than 50% off the regular price of $34.99, with no coupon needed. Note: This special price drop ends August 13.

Get free shipping on a $20 cable that can connect to almost anything

By

During our version of Prime Day, get free shipping on a $20 cable that can connect to almost anything.
Don't delay until Prime Day. You can get this 5-foot, 6-in-1 cable for $20 now.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you carry multiple devices you need to charge throughout the day, the cable struggle can be a lot to deal with. However, if you pack the right cable, you’ll only need one for your iPhone, iPad, MacBook and other tech.

The InCharge X Max is a 5-foot cable with folding ends that can connect to Lightning, USB-C, USB-A and micro USB ports. And you don’t have to wait for Prime Day to get it for a low price. Through July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific, you can get one of these all-in-one cables for only $19.97 instead of $39.

This 3-in-1 USB-C charging cable connects to iPhone, Apple Watch and more

By

This 3-in-1 cable can power 3 iOS devices for just $19.
Power your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods with this $19 cable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As nice as it is to have an iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and iPad with you all the time, that’s a lot of batteries to keep topped up. If you’re lucky, you can get away with carrying around only two cables, but that still means juggling devices between chargers.

Instead, get one cable that works for three devices at once. The Three-in-One USB-C Charging Cable can power two Lightning devices and your Apple Watch, and it’s now on sale for $18.99 (regularly $34). Plus, it comes in a variety of colors.

Charge up your Apple products with this discounted 3-in-1 cable, now only $17.99

By

Fulfill your Apple products' charging needs with this discounted do-it-all charger, now only $17.99.
For just $17.99, you can score a versatile cable for charging your Apple Watch, iPhone and AirPods.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Using your favorite Apple products is a great thing until their batteries start running low. Rather than juggling several cords or searching for an area where you can power up various devices at the same time, streamline the charging process by taking advantage of this special deal.

You can pick up a three-in-one USB-C charging cable that’s compatible with your Apple Watch, iPhone and AirPods for only $17.99 (regularly $34). Cut the cost in half for a product that provides upgraded efficiency for your everyday technological needs.

Save on a 5-foot, braided USB-C to Lightning cable before Prime Day

By

Save before Prime Day with this top-rated Lightning to USB-C cable, on sale today.
This USB-C to Lightning cable is loved by users, and it's on sale right now.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With these heavy-duty braided USB-C to Lightning cables by Vibrance, you can say goodbye to fraying and fussing. And they’re on sale now, in a variety of colors beyond plain ol’ vanilla white, for just $34.99 (regularly $39).

These Vibrance Connect cables are discounted as part of our Deal Days event. It’s our version of Amazon’s Prime Day, where you can find incredible deals on popular products such as apps, subscriptions and gadgets. You’ll have to move quickly to grab this deal, though. The promotion only runs through October 12.

Combo cable charges Apple Watch and 3 more devices at once

By

This 4-port charger is great 4 travelers.
If you own more than one smart device, check out this four-way cable with Apple Watch, Lightning, USB-C and Micro USB connections.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Imagine you’re having an incredible time traveling abroad. After a night in yet another lovely hotel, you grab your iPhone, put on your Apple Watch, throw your iPad into a bag, and you’re off.

But if you forget even one of the chargers or cables for those devices, the rest of your trip will be wildly inconvenient (at least until you make it to an overpriced travel store). So streamline while you can. Carry one powerful charger for all your devices. Then get a 4-in-1 cable to connect them all to it.

Plus, get that four-way cable while it’s on sale for $17.99 (regularly $34), and you can spend your savings on a couple of chocolate croissants and some fine European coffee.

This Apple Watch charging cable can handle 4 devices at once

By

Use 1 outlet for 4 devices with this discounted charger.
Charge everything all at once with this four-headed cable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Why carry multiple charging cables when you can get one that connects to all your gear at once? The 4-in-1 Multi-Port & Apple Watch Charging Cable lets you top off four devices simultaneously without a mess of cords.

And for a limited time, this combo Lightning/USB-C/Apple Watch cable is on sale for $17.99 (regularly $34).

These MagSafe-style breakaway cables work with any device

By

Power up your devices with this multi-way cable.
Charge all your devices with this powerful universal cable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The Infinity Cable is like a MagSafe cable that works with any device. You can get it with three types of magnetic tips — Lightning, USB-C or Micro USB — that snap onto the cable’s end.

As with MagSafe, the tip will snap away if you trip over the cable while it’s plugged in to your device. But that “yank safe” connection is just the start. Infinity Cable also brings high-speed data transfers and compatibility with multiple fast-charging standards.

And right now, can get the versatile and sturdy Infinity Cable for $24.99 — a fat 54% discount off the normal price of $55.

This compact, hybrid charging cable lets you connect all your devices

By

This charger is $22 and will work for virtually any device.
Not matter what type of connection you need, this hybrid charging cable delivers.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You don’t need a different charging cable for each of your devices — even if you’re carrying Apple and Android devices as well as other gear. If you use the InCharge Charging Cable, you can get six charging options for iPhone and Androids

And it’ll only cost you $21.99 for a limited time.

Take control of your cord management with this 4-in-1 Apple charger

By

This 4-in-1 Apple charger powers up all your devices.
Stop dealing with tangled cords with this 4-in-1 Apple charger.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You shouldn’t need to carry around a separate bag for chargers or learn complex cord management just because you have more than one device that you use every day. Instead, you can consolidate all of your chargers into one without sacrificing charging speed.

The 4-in-1 Multi-Port and Apple Watch Charger can charge four of your devices at once, is a comfortable length without opening itself up to tangles, and is on sale for $18.

Protect your Apple devices from accidents with this magnetic cable, on sale for $10 off

By

Save your phone with this breakaway cable.
Protect your gear from accidents with this breakaway magnetic cable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

One of the most common ways people break their smartphones is by ruining the charging port, usually by tripping over the charging cord and yanking it out. Once you’ve broken the charging port, your device is essentially useless until it gets repaired — and that can be expensive.

If you want to save yourself some frustration and a broken charging port, you should check out the Evri Magnetic Tip USB Cable for MacBook & USB-C Devices. This breakaway cable comes with a magnetic tip that won’t rip out of your charging port if you take a wrong step, and right now it’s on sale for $22.95. That’s about $10 cheaper than usual.

Get early Black Friday access to these top Lightning cables

By

10-Ft Cloth MFi-Certified Lightning Cable is super-strong.
We've got all kinds of cables on sale right now.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We can all agree that there’s nothing worse than a charging cable unexpectedly quitting on you. (Well, maybe not). Thankfully, there are lots of reliable options out in the market today — and we bet this roundup of cables for Lightning devices has options more innovative, durable and convenient than the ones lying around your house.

Check out some of our favorites and take advantage of early Black Friday access (no coupon code required) for savings that make these the perfect stocking stuffers.

These steel-jacketed Lightning and USB-C cables resist fraying and tangling [Deals]

By

Evercable: Score the world's strongest phone cable, with 4.3 foot length, fast charging and data-transfer speeds.
Score what just might be the world's strongest phone cable, in either Lightning or USB-C.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Mobile devices depend on Lightning and USB cables to stay charged and synced, so it’s a bummer that those cables are so prone to fraying and breaking. Even in perfect shape, standard Apple cables tend to last just a few months. Not so with these Iron Man-worthy cables from Evercable.

Dongle-tangling: Use dark chaotic forces and never lose your headphone adapter again

By

Dongle-tangling is the hottest thing since AirPods.
Dongle-tangling is the hottest thing since AirPods.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

You know how headphone cables always get tangled? In the past, I have put a cable down carefully, and picked it up just moments later, and the wires have already tied themselves into knots. And you know what else is super-annoying? Apple’s stupid USB-C and Lightning headphone adapters, the kind that you have to use if you want to plug headphones or cables recent into iPads and iPhones.

But what if there was a way to take both these annoyances, and combine them into something … slightly less annoying?!? That would be amazing, obviously. Today we will see how to use the powerful dark force of tangling to stop you from losing your headphone jack dongles.

This charging cable is so tough it’s wearing chainmail [Review]

By

Fuse Chicken Shield review
No hyperbole: the Fuse Chicken Shield is truly sheathed in chainmail.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Shield charging cable from Fuse Chicken is literally wearing stainless steel chainmail. It seems designed to survive battle with orcs, or at least the dangers it might run into on a job site. Amazingly enough, this company’s Titan cable is even more rugged, being wrapped in two layers of flexible steel.

There are Lighting and USB-C versions of both, and we took them into battle to test their mettle. Actually, we towed a car with one, and hit the other with a hammer. Read on to see how they survived.