The new 12-inch Retina MacBook is undoubtedly the hottest notebook to come out of the Apple camp, and the release saw the company turning to the new USB Type-C connector, replacing the company’s own proprietary MagSafe charging solution. Before Apple fans go on a panic spree, it looks like the company will be allowing users to charge the new MacBook with external battery packs, as well as third party USB Type-C based chargers. Head over the jump for further details.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, the inclusion of the new USB Type-C connector on the 12-inch Retina MacBook could spell a new era of accessory support. Regarding the types of accessories the MacBook would support through USB Type-C, the report says, “The short and amazing answer is that most accessories supporting the USB Type-C specifications should work with your new MacBook,” further suggesting that Apple will not be blocking specific third-party accessories on the notebook. Basically, any battery solution that meets the USB Power Delivery specifications should easily be able to charge the MacBook without running into Apple blockades, but the external battery will need to be able to push enough energy to effectively charge the machine.
Earlier, with the MagSafe chargers, portable charging was something that eluded most MacBook users, and while the USB Type-C inclusion was met with much skepticism when announced, this possibility of portable charging could pretty much lay that to rest all by itself. Interestingly, the inclusion of the USB Type-C connector has also opened up the possibility of connecting other accessories as well, including 4K displays using a DisplayPort Alt Mode. Apple has not allowed companies to release their own accessories with MagSafe, where the Cupertino giant has taken any such adventures to court, though there have been the occasional slip-ups.
The new MacBook is the most compact notebook from Apple to date, and with added support for external battery packs, the company’s Mac lineup could start resembling its mobile products such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod. With USB Type-C making it onto Apple’s new-gen MacBook, it is likely that MagSafe will be ditched in future MacBooks.
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