Introduction
It seems as if Apple is finally going to be switching to USB-C cable alert feature on the next iPhone. Well, not the next iPhone but the next, next iPhone. That’s right. The iPhone 15 is finally switching over the industry standard of charging most modern electronic devices. Apple will ditch its proprietary lightning port and switch to USB-C cable on all or possibly some models of the iPhone 15 lineup destined to launch.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, in the second half of 2023, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. But according to 9to5Google, Apple also wants to copy Google’s new USB-C cable alert feature. Why does Apple need to copy Google’s new USB-C cable alert feature?
Chrome OS 102 includes a new USB-C cable alert feature.
Google is rolling out an update to Chrome OS this week with a new feature. Our associates over at 9to5Google reported that Chrome OS 102 includes a new USB-C cable alert feature, and it’s a feature that Apple should reproduce across the board for its products.
This new feature in Chrome OS will alert you when a USB- C cable you’ve connected doesn’t support certain parts or “isn’t performing perfectly for your laptop.” The alert will explain if the cable “doesn’t support the high-performance USB4/ Thunderbolt 3 standards that your Chromebook does.”
The complete list of alert includes.
- The cable may not support displays.
- Your USB- C cable may not connect to displays correctly
- The cable may affect performance
- Your USB- C cable doesn’t support USB4. Device performance may be limited.
- Your USB- C cable doesn’t support Thunderbolt.
- Your device supports an advanced data rate than your cable.
Why Apple should copy this USB-C cable alert feature.
As we’ve written about many times then at 9to5Mac, despite dealing with a universal connector, the world of USB- C cables are still very, very confusing. It is mainly the case for everyday Mac and iPad users who aren’t as in tune with the tech specifications as many of you read this.
Your mileage will significantly differ based on which line you choose.
A simple search on Amazon reveals a wide array of different USB- C cables, many of which support different data transfer speeds, display support, and charging rates. Your mileage will significantly differ based on which line you choose. It is also valid on both ends of the spectrum; some of the cheaper cables won’t offer full support for the USB-C features, and others will overcharge and bill themselves as being more premium than they are.
Google’s new USB-C cable alert feature
The USB Implementers Forum, or USB- IF, has promised branding changes to help clear up some of the confusion surrounding different USB- C cables and standards. However, these changes don’t come out to be rolling out anytime soon. And they still won’t solve the matter of accessory makers who don’t conform to the full USB- IF standards.
As the confusion around USB- C standards, speeds, and features continue to grow, Google has chosen to take matters into its own hands with the new USB-C cable alert feature. The alerts give users a simple clarification of the component of the USB- C cable they’re using, including why it might not work for specific connectivity requirements.
This feature would significantly break confusion around USB- C and Thunderbolt cables.
Apple has astronomically adopted USB- C on many of its products alongside Thunderbolt 4. As it increases its reliance on USB- C and Thunderbolt 4, it too should add some kind of USB- C cable alert feature on both Mac and iPad. This feature would significantly break confusion around USB- C and Thunderbolt cables and give users a clear explanation of what line they’re using and what cable they might need to unlock more features.
Apple could take a step further for iPhone charging.
Theoretically, Apple could take this a step further and add a similar feature for iPhone charging. In the Settings app, Apple could explain the top charging speed of the cable and power brick combination the iPhone is connected to and explain how that speed could get faster with a new power brick.
Conclusion
What do you suppose of this new Chrome OS feature? Is it something Apple should adopt across its products and operating systems?
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