Apple seems to be shifting towards going full USB-C, at least as far as its MacBooks are concerned. While we suppose this was a natural evolution, many MacBook owners have lamented that it also effectively killed off one of Apple’s best inventions to date – the MagSafe power adapter.
Granted there are some third-party available in the market today, but we’re sure that many would like to see an Apple-made one. The good news is that Apple could be thinking about it, or at least that’s what a patent is suggesting. A recently discovered patent reveals that in early 2016, Apple has been designing what appears to be an adapter that would allow users to keep using their MagSafe power cables with the new USB-C MacBooks.
As you can see in the diagram above, the adapter goes into the USB-C port while the MagSafe connector will connect from the outside. This means that existing MacBooks will still be able to benefit from the safety features that MagSafe power cables provide. However given that this is a patent, there’s no telling if Apple will make it a reality, but it’s reassuring to think that Apple could be exploring the idea.
However there are some downsides to this setup, namely it “wastes” one of the USB-C ports. One of the advantages that Apple is touting is that with the USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, it can be used for multiple purposes but keeping it to one port. An example would be connecting it to an external monitor which can then be used to keep the laptop powered. Had this been the old setup, it would mean more cables and more power outlets required.
Filed in . Read more about Laptops, Macbook, Macbook Pro and Patent.