In August of 2014, the USB-IF (USB implementers Forum), the organization in charge of the standard, formed by companies like Intel, Microsoft and Apple among others, published the specification of a new USB connector known as "USB type C". It was completely reversible and based on the USB 3.1 specification, it could also offer speeds up to 10Gbps.
This week, Apple presented its new MacBook, the first to replace all its old connectors with a single USB-C port: Power, peripherals, screens ... all assembled in a small port (adapters through, at least until the industry floods the Market with all kinds of accessories).
Now, John Gruber of Daring Fireball, one of the people outside Apple with more connections within the company, ensures that it was precisely Apple who developed the USB-C specification and gave it to the group to launch it as a common initiative that is Convert to standard.
I've heard, I can't tell from whom, but call "informed birds," that the USB-C is an invention of Apple and that they were delivered to the standardisation agencies. The politics of these things is that they can't really say it. They're not going to come out openly and say it, but they did. It's an invention of Apple that they want to become standard.
The company still mentions as who does not want the thing part of their involvement in the standard on the description page of the MacBook ...
Creating a laptop as thin and light as the new MacBook forced us to look for maximum efficiency in every detail, including the way you connect peripherals or plug it into the current. That is why we have collaborated in the development of a new universal standard that combines all the basic functions that you need in a single port. With the new USB-C port you can charge your laptop, transfer data via USB 3 to any tablet via peripherals and connect HDMI, VGA and Mini DisplayPort devices. It is also reversible and occupies a third part compared to the current USB.
It must be noted that it is not strange at all, and that in fact it is how these groups usually work: some companies develop their proposals, present them to the other members, and if they are accepted, they are launched as a common initiative. Nor is it the first time for Apple, and there we have for example the Mini DisplayPort port, a miniaturized version created by the Apple Company for the VESA Association connector, and that was ceded and adopted without problems by rivals like Lenovo, HP , Dell, or Microsoft.
Gruber says he has no idea whether Apple plans to adopt the USB-C on other devices such as the IPhone or IPAD, or if instead limit its use to laptops and desktops. My little wager on this matter is that no, but before I follow I want you to see this picture:
Do you really think that Apple, obsessed as it is in its career with the rest of manufacturers by scratching up to the last millimeter of thickness to its devices, replace Lightning by a significantly larger connector? Maybe if one day we get to see an iPad Pro will be totally feasible as a way to extend its compatibility with all accessories aimed at computers, but in the IPads and iphones? No way.
As a final point, kudos for Google for announcing so quickly its commitment to the standard USB-C through the Chromebook Pixel, a laptop that although it is intended for a very minority audience, has given a tug of ears to Apple including a second port to the other Side of the team. Something I hope to see in future versions of this MacBook and other members of the family, not only for the need to connect more than one peripheral at the same time, but for the convenience of loading the laptop by the side that best suits us at any time.
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