Accessories manufacturers such as Belkin and Cygnett run the risk of diminishing stock value, following the launch of Apple’s new iPad Pro, which swapped its proprietary Lightning port for USB-C.
While Apple moved its laptop ports to USB-C in 2015, the Californian giant has remained loyal to Lightning with iPads until now.
For many consumers, Lightning remained a stable of Apple’s proprietary ecosystem, forcing users to purchase separate cables and accessories than their Android counterparts.
For accessories manufacturers, the Californian giant’s departure towards universal USB-C (used by the likes of Samsung) runs the risk of out-dating some stock, earlier than anticipated.
The move towards USB-C isn’t simply a change in cable – it allows users to share the same charger with their Macbook/Android counterparts, and provide universality for users to connect with musical instruments or other external displays.
USB 3.1 Gen 2 support also claims to provide faster data-transfer speeds from other devices – e.g. cameras.
To the disappointment of some (e.g. audiophiles), the new iPad Pro does not offer a headphone jack, so users will likely have to purchase a dongle should they detest wireless headphones.
