Apple to Allow Third-Party Battery Packs and Chargers With USB-C: Report

Apple earlier this week launched its new 12-inch MacBook model. The ultra-thin model is also the first fanless Mac. Another notable feature that the new MacBook model comes with is the USB Type-C port which replaces the proprietary and much-loved MagSafe charging port. The port allows for up to 5Gbps USB 3.1 data transfers and DisplayPort video output.

Now, reports claiming that the USB Type-C port on the new MacBook model might finally open the door to third-party power supplies, adapters, and chargers have started to make rounds on the Internet.

9to5mac reports citing sources close to the situation that Apple might allow third-party accessories for the new MacBook model supporting the USB Type-C specifications, such as external battery packs, chargers, and video accessories.

If this comes out to be true, the third-party accessory makers might have something to cheer as they can freely manufacture accessories with USB Type-C port for the new MacBook model. Apple previously didn't allow third-party accessory makers to build accessories for its MagSafe port.

"With USB-C, battery packs for MacBook should start to more closely mirror the market for iOS device batteries," notes report. Sources added that any battery that meets the USB Power Delivery specifications should work with the new MacBook.

Additionally, the report also adds that the new MacBook should work with DisplayPort alternate mode for video. "We've confirmed that means it will work with third-party video accessories as well," report claimed.

None of this has been officially confirmed by Apple yet.

Earlier this week, storage device maker LaCie introduced a hard drive with support for the new reversible connector - the LaCie Porsche Design Mobile Drive.

It's worth noting that the new 12-inch Apple MacBook has only a single USB Type-C port used for charging the laptop, connecting peripherals, and delivering DisplayPort video output. To simultaneously charge the laptop and connect other accessories, users will have to either buy a USB-C hub, or a USB-C adapter from Apple which includes a regular USB port as well as a USB-C passthrough port.