Could MagSafe 4.0 include support for data?

[vpr611]

While I like the option for a fast charge and MagSafe's return, I feel that Apple missed the mark with MagSafe 3.0 by not including some basic data transfer options over MagSafe. Does anyone think that this could come at some point in the future, or does this not feel like a feature that would add value to the Macbook line?

 

[macphoto861]

I'm not sure how useful that would be. First of all, though it's been a while since I used a MagSafe-equipped computer, I do recall that it was pretty easy to cause a temporary disconnection by bumping the connector, moving the computer around, etc. Not a big deal for just a charging connection, but would be a problem if storage devices were also running through it. I use a dock setup now, with power and data going through one USB-C cable now, and even if MagSafe could handle data, I wouldn't feel comfortable using it.

Secondly, when you think about a more traditional setup (without a dock), the power cable is the one that is likely to be running along the floor to an outlet (creating a hazard that someone could trip over it and pull the computer off the desk), but external drives and other devices would probably be on the desk next to the computer, so not much chance of that cable being tripped over.

 

[jclardy]

It would be cool, but what is the point? If you are doing a critical data transfer you wouldn't want the cable to be accidentally knocked out of the socket.

The only thing I think would be real nice is for displays - IE hook up a new theoretical apple monitor via a single magsafe cable and get display + power + a few USB ports. But even still, easily disconnecting could cause data loss if you are plugged into a storage drive.

 

[tivoboy]

Possibly possible but I have the feeling it would represent a major downgrade in data throughput and there is huge risk of unintended disconnects which could scuttle transfer reliability.

 

[GrindedDown]

Yeah I wouldn’t count on it. It would be an unreliable connection. what apple seems to have done is that they have a 4th thunderbolt controller on board that they have simple split up into power, 3.5mm, sd, and hdmi. Essentially, building a hub into the chassis. Given all the I/O already available, I would say this would never happen (data over MagSafe that is).

 

[tivoboy]

Possibly possible but I have the feeling it would represent a major downgrade in data throughput and there is huge risk of unintended disconnects which could scuttle transfer reliability.

I think the way its done now is best. One can EITHER use MagSafe for well, some yank off the table safety and ease of connection, but with the new charging bricks (and old ones too) with USB-C, one can use the USB-C to MagSafe cable, OR use a USB-C to TB4 for charging if one wants to. Frankly, when it’s on my desk, on a stand and connected to two monitors, which offer USC-C for display connectivity AND power charging, I’m just going to use that and not the MagSafe cabling. I’ll keep that tied around the new charging brick and let it fray there. ;-)

 

[EnderTW]

I think the way its done now is best. One can EITHER use MagSafe for well, some yank off the table safety and ease of connection, but with the new charging bricks (and old ones too) with USB-C, one can use the USB-C to MagSafe cable, OR use a USB-C to TB4 for charging if one wants to. Frankly, when it’s on my desk, on a stand and connected to two monitors, which offer USC-C for display connectivity AND power charging, I’m just going to use that and not the MagSafe cabling. I’ll keep that tied around the new charging brick and let it fray there. ;-)

Yep, I'm glad they didn't take something away to add something new, Apple circa 2015 would have done that. ;p

They said, let them choose, we prefer magsafe but we understand people have invested in usbc charging docks/packs/etc to not make it software locked that you couldn't charge.

 

[macintoshmac]

I do hope they bring data support to MagSafe. I’d love to have a macOS app for my power line so I can connect the MagSafe connector to my MacBook, switch on my power supply and check my electricity meter readings and everything.

If not, I don’t see the point of MagSafe supporting data. Data from what? USB-C devices? That’s going to be another proprietary hell we have been through with Apple under Jobs.

 

[robinium]

The one use I could see for this, would be the ability to add an Ethernet port to the power brick, which could then transmit over the MagSafe connector.

 

[Falhófnir]

I was also wondering this, it could then be used to replace lightning on iPhones (and replace or augment USB C on iPads).

 

[torontotim]

I really wish MagSafe was Thunderbolt. I'll rarely use the MagSafe to be honest. If it was Thunderbolt... well that would be awesome.

 

[ponzicoinbro]

There’s a big problem with a magnetic data connector. If you accidentallly detach a back up drive without safely unmounting it can corrupt all the data on that drive. You might trip over a cable or just knock it with your hand.

So they have to resolve three issues. That the magnetic connector can’t come off too easily, can transmit data reliably, if it does disconnect by accident then drives must be able to preserve data without corruption.