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OK, listen. Maybe I’m in the minority here; I still use USB-A and love it. I know the EU wants to drag me kicking and screaming into some glorious utopian future where every device is powered solely by USB-C cables and connected via nothing else, but I’m not ready to give up my sweet old asymmetrical port. Tell me Tim Cook, where are the USB-A ports? the new M4 Mac mini you just announced?

That’s right: the next-generation Mac mini looks like a really cool little device; Small enough to fit in your hand! – but Apple has officially ended its long-term relationship with USB-A, swapping the two ports found on the previous model in favor of more USB-C ports (five in total). This is a big change that goes hand in hand with Apple redesigning its ‘Magic’ accessories to include USB-C rather than the old proprietary Lightning ports (yes, Magic Mouse charging port still on the bottombut I’m not kicking that hornet’s nest right now).

I understand Even as a long-time Apple critic, I can honestly say that this is a good move by the company. Moving to a uniform connectivity standard would aid cross-platform connectivity, reduce monopolistic influences within Apple’s tightly controlled hardware ecosystem, and most importantly, help address issues. The growing problem of e-waste. This is a good thing. it’s a good thing.

I keep telling myself this – and make no mistake, I’m very happy to see Lightning heading to the big electronics store in the sky – but part of me is also disappointed to see a new version of the flagship Apple product (it’s true, I said) with no USB-A port in sight It comes without dot.

USB-A still matters

I didn’t want to pay for this article without any statistics to back me up, so I did what everyone does these days: I asked Google for help. According to Google’s prolific search results, there are many reasons why USB-A is still widely used around the world: familiarity, backwards compatibility, and cost are the main reasons.

Okay, so I didn’t call it a day by asking an AI for help with my argument, but Google’s bot makes some good points. USB-A is cheaper to manufacture, and many devices (including my own desktop and laptop) still have compatible ports. It’s no surprise that many manufacturers still sell products that use USB-A or have USB-A ports. If you buy a third-party wireless mouse, there’s a good chance the included cable will connect to a power source via USB-A rather than USB-C (we’re not talking USB-B).

It’s also worth noting that while USB-C is quickly becoming the new normal in Europe and the US, this is not the case for the rest of the world. Many countries are effectively ‘lagging behind’ when it comes to computer hardware and USB-A is still the norm there. Heck, even my country’s NHS is still pretty old in terms of the technology it uses; While there, I saw plenty of USB-A ports. Going in and out of hospital for cancer treatment.

Don’t even get me started on flash drives. I To know I’m not the only one still using these, and everyone I have uses USB-A. I have all kinds of projects and old files backed up on them, plus a few are ready-to-install Linux distributions and one even has a full Windows 10 installation image. When I brought this up in a meeting my boss (effervescent) Matt Hanson) asked how long it had been since I had used one. ‘Three days ago,’ I said. They are useful and I don’t want to get rid of them.

A loving farewell

Now you’re probably thinking: Christian, what’s wrong with the USB adapter or the dock? And yes, of course, I don’t have a very good counter to that other than to say that I have enough little gadgets that I can’t keep track of, and you want me to add More? I don’t experience this.

But as much as it pains me to admit it, it may be time to say goodbye to my beloved OG connection standard. Progress is king in the world of technology, and USB-C represents the rare breed of progress that is actually universally good: The environmental benefits alone are a huge plus, and anyone who knows me will attest that I can always stand behind something that helps. Break up monopolies. Oh, and I won’t miss USB-A Superposition.

That being said… come on Apple. You can’t charge $29 for a USB-C cable, especially when I can buy basically the same product ten dollars on amazon. You are now sitting at the family table. Play nice.