Apple has reportedly prepared a refresh for its MacBook Pro and Air lines, wherein both models will scrap the inclusion of USB Type-A ports.
If Apple’s ‘courageous’ decision to ditch the headphone jack aboard the iPhone 7 riled you up, you’re going to want to look away now. New reports cite that Apple has prepared new MacBook Pro and Air models for debut before the end of October – both of which would reportedly scrap the inclusion of (standard) USB Type-A ports.
Instead, you’ll apparently have to rely on USB-C ports as well as Thunderbolt 3 ports to power or connect peripherals to your laptop. The move echoes Apple’s decision to include only a USB Type-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack aboard the standard MacBook.
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Rhoda Alexander, Director of Tablet and Notebook PCs at IHS Markit Technology, predicts in a report with Forbes that Apple will move to refresh its Pro and Air model MacBooks, but will kill the 11″ Air model in the process.
“œProduction started in the second calendar quarter on refreshes of the 13.3-inch and 15.4-inch MacBook Pro and the 13.3-inch MacBook Air“, Alexander said.
Should the move proceed, it will no doubt frustrate many of Apple’s hard-line supporters, who rely on Pro model MacBooks for varying creative tasks. The change would effectively leave the desk-bound iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Pro as the most versatile computers Apple offers without requiring a parade of dongles to get the job done.
While it is unclear as to whether Apple will proceed to can the 3.5mm headphone jack from its new laptops, the company has already begun to survey users on their use of the port.
Read: Apple‘s newest patent reveals how the next iPhone could do away with bezels
What are your thoughts? Is there a need for a MacBook to retain USB Type-A connectivity? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
