Popular accessory maker Anker has shown off its upcoming lineup of USB-C cables and adapters including USB-C to USB 2.0, 3.0, and USB-C solutions. Especially interesting for 12-inch MacBook users is Anker’s USB-C to Lightning cable — the first that I’ve seen from a reputable vendor — which will allow users to connect iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches with Lightning ports directly to Apple’s USB Type C-only notebook for charging and syncing. Apple currently only offers three USB-C adapters including its $19 USB-C to USB Adapter for use with standard USB accessories and $79 USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter and USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter. It also sells a $29 USB-C Charge Cable which connects to its $49 29W USB-C Power Adapter for charging the new MacBook.
As we’ve not yet seen a USB-C to Lightning cable from Apple, Anker’s upcoming PowerLine USB-C to Lightning cable particularly interesting. Ideally, it’d be helpful to see a whole line of USB Type C-based power adapters fit for iPhones and iPads in the future to make transitioning from the standard port to the new, reversible port possible without adapters.
Anker hasn’t revealed pricing details for most of its PowerLine USB-C cables including the also useful USB-C to Micro USB cable in the lineup, which would be handy for restoring Apple TVs, updating Beats headphones firmware, or charging most power bricks or other accessories.
The PowerLine USB-C to USB 2.0 cable is priced at $15.99 and available for pre-order, though, while the rest of the lineup is described as ‘coming soon’ without additional details. It’s USB-C accessories also include power bricks, hubs, and more adapters worth checking out. Anker joins Apple, Belkin, and Google as well as other accessory makers in offering USB-C cables and adapters for use with Apple’s new 12-inch MacBook and other USB-C computers like Google’s latest Chromebook Pixel which includes a port on either side.
