Apple Drops Dongle Prices

Joanna Stern at The WSJ:

Apple announced Friday that it will significantly cut the prices of the USB-C adapters it sells in its stores, following backlash to the lack of full-size USB, SD card or HDMI ports in the new line of MacBook Pro laptops.

The price cuts include these items:

  • Apple USB-C to USB adapter: from $19 to $9
  • Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter: from $49 to $29
  • Apple USB-C to Lightning cable, 1 meter: from $25 to $19
  • Apple USB-C to Lightning cable, 2 meters: from $35 to $29
  • Apple USB-C digital AV multiport adapter: from $69 to $49
  • Apple USB-C VGA multiport adapter: from $69 to $49
  • SanDisk Extreme Pro SD UHS-II Card USB-C reader: from $49 to $29

According to Jim Dalrymple, Apple’s statement included this:

“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.”

It seems that company is realizing its push into the USB-C future was perhaps too hasty. The fact that Apple seems surprised by the backlash is … worrying.

I’d argue that the price cuts should be permanent, not just in effect for the rest of the year. 

I also wonder how much of this could have been avoided by putting a USB-C to USB adaptor in the box. 

Sigh.

Update: Apple is sending emails to people who have already purchased these accessories:

We are pleased to inform you that we will provide you with a credit for the difference between the price you paid and the new, lower price.