In the week since its reveal, Apple’s new MacBook Pro lineup has been the subject of controversy thanks, in large part, to it is inconvenient port situation.
Depending on the model, the MacBook Pro features to two to four Thunderbolt 3 enabled USB-C ports and a single 3.5mm headphone jack. While USB-C presents several advantages over the old USB-A standard, most people do not own peripherals that connect to a computer via USB-C.
As result, for all but the most tech savvy consumer, buying a new MacBook Pro means also buying a number of adapters to make their old peripherals and accessories play nice with Apple’s new top-of-the-line laptop. Given the cost of Apple’s first-party accessories, the cost of an already expensive computer can quickly escalate when one factors in the cost of several dongles.
In a surprise turn of events, Apple announced today that, effective immediately, it’s reducing the price USB-C adapters it sells through its online U.S. store and retail locations.
“We recognize that many users, especially pros, rely on legacy connectors to get work done today and they face a transition. We want to help them move to the latest technology and peripherals, as well as accelerate the growth of this new ecosystem. Through the end of the year, we are reducing prices on all USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals we sell, as well as the prices on Apple’s USB-C adapters and cables.”
We’ve reached out to the company if the offer extends to Canadian consumers. We’ll update this article once we hear back from the company. Stay tuned.
Update 07/11/16: Apple has started automatically crediting customers who purchased the products prior to the price reduction announcement. 9to5Mac published a screenshot from a reader stating that the company would refund them the difference between the price they paid for a USB-C to Lightning Cable and the new, lower price. MobileSyrup has reached out to Apple for confirmation that the company will be doing the same for buyers in Canada. Given the fact that the deal is already live north of the border, it seems likely.
Update 04/11/16: Special pricing for USB-C accessories has launched in Canada. Examples include a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter for $35 CAD, USB-C to USB adapter $10 and the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter got $59.
Update 04/11/16: Apple just got back to us. The company will reduce the price of the USB-C adapters it sells in Canada. Pricing hasn’t been finalized just yet, but we’ll update this article as soon as the new prices are live on the Apple Store website.
Related: MacBook Pro 2016 Hands-on: A future without function keys
[via]The Verge[/via]
MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.
