USB-A

[Altis]

Removing the USB-A connector does not remove any functionality. It’s quite simple and very inexpensive to use new cables or converters. Software-wise, the connector is no problem; USB is USB no matter which connector you use.

Apple has migrated their entire ecosystem to USB-C and the computing industry is doing the same. As someone who travels frequently, it is so much nicer to have all of my devices use the same connector. I usually travel with Bose headphones, AirPods, and Apple Watch, phone, iPad and sometimes my MacBook Pro and my Canon camera. ALL of these devices use USB-C, although the watch needs that special magnetic USB-C cable. At home I have a dock with a USB-A for when I use an old memory stick and for my keyboard/mouse receiver.

It removes the ability to directly connect to your existing USB-A devices without overcoming that roadblock. You could argue the exact same that the front USB-C 3.2 ports don't add any functionality over USB-A 3.2. It adds an obstacle to be overcome.

I also prefer that devices are moving to USB-C (even if Apple had to be forced to do so by legislation). But many desktop peripherals and devices are still overwhemlingly USB-A, including many of the new ones. This alone means USB-A is not dead as some wish it were.

How would you be affected in any way if Apple included a pair of USB-A ports on the Mini? You say it's trivial to replace all your cables or use adapters, but far more trivial for you to just not use the ports if you don't want to.

 

[nathansz]

How would you be affected in any way if Apple included a pair of USB-A ports on the Mini? You say it's trivial to replace all your cables or use adapters, but far more trivial for you to just not use the ports if you don't want to.

The USB-A ports would almost certainly replace the USC-C ports and thus be slower and less useful

 

[Altis]

That's not how it works. The sooner the port disappears, the sooner the long process of weeding out USB-A can progress. It's a slow, unidirectional port that's been superceded and is weeded out of Apple's consumer machines (and probably soon the pro tier as well). The interrim solution is to use adapters or docks, and/or replace cables as appropriate. Or I guess go out and buy some PC that has USB-A ports and enjoy that experience.

USB-A should disappear on the device-side first, rather than the computer.

Everyone made this argument when the 12" Retina MacBook came out a decade ago. USB-A is still the most common connection, and removing it from the Mini just means people need to use additional devices to connect their things to their computer. If you're using adapters, you're still using USB-A in your chain anyways so all you've done is add to it.

The industry doesn't seem to care that much if Apple has them or not. Desktop Mac is probably 1% the market, if that.

 

[Altis]

The USB-A ports would almost certainly replace the USC-C ports and thus be slower and less useful

The front USB-C 3 ports are the same speeds as USB-A 3 ports. Heck, the iPhone 15 and 16 use USB 2 speeds via their USB-C ports

And that's assuming they couldn't just add them like they have on the Studio and previous Mini.

Or hey, why not just use an adapter to connect to them? Or maybe a hub? Or replace all your cables?

 

[Rychiar]

I’m just curious, why would the new Mac Mini not come with USB-A ports on the back?

I understand laptops not wanting to try to fit these larger ports in their already very tight space. But why would a desktop not include such an inexpensive and useful port?

I want to upgrade from my old Mac Mini to a new one and now I have to go out and get not only a USB hub, but one that is powered because my little mobile scanner that I use on my desktop needs a powered USB-A port.

buy a USB a to USC C cable. its not that hard.

 

[nathansz]

my little mobile scanner that I use on my desktop needs a powered USB-A port.

Do you not have a smart phone?

 

[Argon_]

USB-A should disappear on the device-side first, rather than the computer.

Everyone made this argument when the 12" Retina MacBook came out a decade ago. USB-A is still the most common connection, and removing it from the Mini just means people need to use additional devices to connect their things to their computer. If you're using adapters, you're still using USB-A in your chain anyways so all you've done is add to it.

The industry doesn't seem to care that much if Apple has them or not. Desktop Mac is probably 1% the market, if that.

Cables with dissimilar ends can solve a lot of these issues, while accessory makers still cling to a 29 year old connector.

 

[drrich2]

Accessory makers consider their target demographic, which is mostly Windows users. PC Mag's 'Best Deal of the Day' is a Dell on sale for roughly $850. A mid-range desktop replacement notebook. Look at the ports (vary a little with integrated vs. discrete graphics) - 1 Thunderbolt 4 port and 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports. If I understand correctly, it's not 1 USB-C type port and it's Thunderbolt, so maybe the presumption is people are likely to connect a hub or dock to that?

So I take a look at some of their other notebooks. Bottom line, a mix of USB C and A seems common; I take it the Inspirons lack Thunderbolt and the XPS have Thunderbolt 4 (and Dell is putting in a new naming scheme for their lines, adding to the confusion).

So an accessory maker producing an item other than a dock or hub may not want to tie up one of relatively few USB-C ports, especially with something like a universal mouse/keyboard wireless receiver. And as someone else noted, with USB-A the maker can sometimes cram the device into such a small space it's almost flush with the notebook, button-like, which is handy with accessories you want to keep plugged in all the time (like that receiver) without them getting shorn off in the bag, etc...

Particularly with notebooks, a single USB-A port for a wireless receiver that's nearly flush with the side of the computer is a nice plus. Like the Logitech Logi Bolt USB-Receiver.

Does anyone know of a USB-C receiver for wireless mice and keyboards? I know somebody's gonna say use Bluetooth, but not everyone wants Bluetooth.

This use alone could easily merit a single USB-A port.

 

[Florpy]

Yesterday I used a USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect my quite old CanoScan flatbed scanner to my MacBook Pro. It worked like a charm. I have yet to find a USB device that won't work in this manner. For devices I keep connected full-time to my Studio Display or to my Mac Mini, I purchased new cables from Monoprice, mostly for aesthetic reasons. For devices I use infrequently, I use adapters instead.

USB-C supersedes USB-A. It does not obsolete your USB-A devices.

 

[JPack]

Does anyone know of a USB-C receiver for wireless mice and keyboards? I know somebody's gonna say use Bluetooth, but not everyone wants Bluetooth.

This use alone could easily merit a single USB-A port.

No, people are gonna say, use a USB-A to USB-C adapter or cable adapter.

The Logi Bolt receiver is for computers that don't have BT. If you have BT, why are you using old USB-A tech?

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

I’m just curious, why would the new Mac Mini not come with USB-A ports on the back?

I understand laptops not wanting to try to fit these larger ports in their already very tight space. But why would a desktop not include such an inexpensive and useful port?

I want to upgrade from my old Mac Mini to a new one and now I have to go out and get not only a USB hub, but one that is powered because my little mobile scanner that I use on my desktop needs a powered USB-A port.

I look at it as an opportunity to buy the coolest dock I can find with neat i/o features that are not on already on the mini. Apple is notorious for killing off still-useful-in-2025 ports 10 years early. I've gotten over their penchant for that and instead realize Im going to spend a decent amount on peripherals to make the mini what I need it to be. I have an 16" m2 macbookpro and it is a phenomenal machine but heck couldn't Apple have figured out at least one usb-a port with all that realstate lol?

For me, I deal with alot of legacy hardware that connects via usba and to not have that is not the end all of course but is a PITA to not have it natively in the machine. I dont want to have to deal with a to c adapters cheap or not. But at the end of the day, if I want to stay current, it is what it is. Apple isnt going to change anything for me or any of us really.

 

[drrich2]

No, people are gonna say, use a USB-A to USB-C adapter or cable adapter.

Which is going to make it stick out the side of the notebook, subject to breakage (possibly snapping off with the connector still in the port hole), or bother plugging it in and out, in and out, putting more wear and tear on things over time.

The Logi Bolt receiver is for computers that don't have BT. If you have BT, why are you using old USB-A tech?

First off, that it's 'old' is completely irrelevant when it performs its function just fine.

Secondly, as has been noted by others, Bluetooth peripheral control doesn't seem to kick in as early during the boot up process, so on those occasions when restarting and trouble shooting, either a wired connection or USB receiver-based wireless mouse & keyboard have an advantage.

I do use Bluetooth, but after running into this problem I bought a cheap Amazon Basics wired mouse (USB-A!) and already had an old Dell keyboard (USB-A), which I keep handy for such situations.

Thirdly, I don't think it's only people without Bluetooth who use wireless receiver-based keyboard and mice products. Since Bluetooth meets my needs MOST of the time, I don't delve into all the pro.s and con.s. Will say this, though...if you want to switch a mouse and keyboard between computers occasionally, back and forth, it's easy to move a USB wireless receiver. With Bluetooth, if it's not one made to be paired with multiple devices (as some keyboards are), changing its connection is a hassle.

 

[drrich2]

I look at it as an opportunity to buy the coolest dock I can find with neat i/o features that are not on already on the mini.

Me, too! Then I saw what the CalDigit TS4 cost... Suddenly that dongle I'd been using on the old 2017 MacBook and my Dell monitor's built-in hub ports started to look good.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

No, people are gonna say, use a USB-A to USB-C adapter or cable adapter.

The Logi Bolt receiver is for computers that don't have BT. If you have BT, why are you using old USB-A tech?

Probably because he already owns it and it works - just like the rest of us. Its so dang easy for folks to spend other peoples money and question why you arn't using technology X - effectively shaming you into buying something newer when the reality is what you already have works just fine. I completely disagree with this type of advice. Instead continue to use the usba devices we all own and use and take the money you saved from not listening to crappy advice and buy apple stock with it instead.

 

[JPack]

Which is going to make it stick out the side of the notebook, subject to breakage (possibly snapping off with the connector still in the port hole), or bother plugging it in and out, in and out, putting more wear and tear on things over time.


First off, that it's 'old' is completely irrelevant when it performs its function just fine.

Secondly, as has been noted by others, Bluetooth peripheral control doesn't seem to kick in as early during the boot up process, so on those occasions when restarting and trouble shooting, either a wired connection or USB receiver-based wireless mouse & keyboard have an advantage.

I do use Bluetooth, but after running into this problem I bought a cheap Amazon Basics wired mouse (USB-A!) and already had an old Dell keyboard (USB-A), which I keep handy for such situations.

Thirdly, I don't think it's only people without Bluetooth who use wireless receiver-based keyboard and mice products. Since Bluetooth meets my needs MOST of the time, I don't delve into all the pro.s and con.s. Will say this, though...if you want to switch a mouse and keyboard between computers occasionally, back and forth, it's easy to move a USB wireless receiver. With Bluetooth, if it's not one made to be paired with multiple devices (as some keyboards are), changing its connection is a hassle.

This is a chicken & egg situation. The accessory manufacturers will continue making USB-A as long as notebooks have USB-A and vice versa. Who will stop first?

USB-C is too small for a recessed wireless receiver, so it'll stick out no matter what. If you want to continuing using old USB, you'll need to buy an older notebook. Physically, USB-A occupies at least the space of two USB-C ports. This isn't practical for ultrabooks that barely have space for one USB-A port.

While BT is poor for troubleshooting work, it has the advantage of being a universal transceiver.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Me, too! Then I saw what the CalDigit TS4 cost... Suddenly that dongle I'd been using on the old 2017 MacBook and my Dell monitor's built-in hub ports started to look good.

I own Apple silicon but for easy native legacy support I have a couple Intel & PowerPC Macs for native usb2+FW 400/800 & SCSI. I definitely get your sentiment

Staying with a high end upgradeable Intel machine like a cMP 5,1 for example might be the best solution for legacy port support on newer macOS unless a genius builds & markets a boss dock with plenty of fast legacy usb-a, FW, vga/dvi/hdmi in and Audio out i/o for AS.

For my remote work I use both a keyboard and mouse that both use you guessed it usb-a Receivers connected via a cheap usba dock into the usba on my 2023 w11 Lenovo Thinkpad LOL. I own these items and they work so feel zero reason to upgrade to a new standard. As stated earlier I’d rather invest that money in myself and buy Apple stock.

 

[JPack]

Probably because he already owns it and it works - just like the rest of us. Its so dang easy for folks to spend other peoples money and question why you arn't using technology X - effectively shaming you into buying something newer when the reality is what you already have works just fine. I completely disagree with this type of advice. Instead continue to use the usba devices we all own and use and take the money you saved from not listening to crappy advice and buy apple stock with it instead.

Someone can choose to never upgrade their computer and continue using existing USB-A accessories forever. Nobody is being forced to buy new stuff.

But if you want a new thin and light computer, you'll need to make compromises.

USB-A has been here for about 30 years. That's far longer than PS/2 was around before everything went to USB.

 

[drrich2]

This is a chicken & egg situation. The accessory manufacturers will continue making USB-A as long as notebooks have USB-A and vice versa. Who will stop first?

That's just it...some of us don't care. If USB-A fades out fast or slow, either way, we're not trying to shove it out the door.

USB-C is too small for a recessed wireless receiver, so it'll stick out no matter what. If you want to continuing using old USB, you'll need to buy an older notebook.

The Windows people won't for some time to come, and there are far more of them and they drive the market more.

Physically, USB-A occupies at least the space of two USB-C ports. This isn't practical for ultrabooks that barely have space for one USB-A port.

USB-A is larger but I don't see 2 C's crammed into the space of an A.

I've got an old 2017 MacBook; 1 USB-C port and one audio jack, and that's it. Not ideal, but yes, if you want the most compact possible, that is a different story.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Someone can choose to never upgrade their computer and continue using existing USB-A accessories forever. Nobody is being forced to buy new stuff.

But if you want a new thin and light computer, you'll need to make compromises.

USB-A has been here for about 30 years. That's far longer than PS/2 was around before everything went to USB.

And this is an excellent thing. The fundamental electrical socket standard in our homes in the US haven’t changed in what … since 1940? Probably earlier. I think usb-a as a standard is a good thing. Imagine if we changed the electrical socket standard every 20 or 30 years. Heads would explode 🤯. I’m not saying no to usbc or innovation rather I’m saying yes to usba as a standard to keep.

 

[nathansz]

Which is going to make it stick out the side of the notebook, subject to breakage (possibly snapping off with the connector still in the port hole), or bother plugging it in and out, in and out, putting more wear and tear on things over time.

It already sticks out

 

[nathansz]

Secondly, as has been noted by others, Bluetooth peripheral control doesn't seem to kick in as early during the boot up process, so on those occasions when restarting and trouble shooting, either a wired connection or USB receiver-based wireless mouse & keyboard have an advantage.

What possible advantage?

Apple silicon doesn’t use keyboard to get to recovery or start up options like Intel Macs did

 

[drrich2]

Apple silicon doesn’t use keyboard to get to recovery or start up options like Intel Macs did

All I recall is that after I had some difficulties related to getting my M4 Pro Mac Mini set up (I was trying migration wirelessly, saw estimated time over 30 hours and stopped to switch to cabled connection to an SSD), I'm thinking the wired was more helpful once at the Recovery screen point. It was a chaotic time for a number of reasons.

While I am a fan of Bluetooth and it usually works, once in awhile, for whatever reasons as yet unknown, it stops awhile. In terms of reliability over the long term, either wired or via wireless receiver has been more consistent. Bluetooth is usually fine. Usually. I use Bluetooth to keep from using up a port.

It already sticks out

A slight nub., not likely to be snapped off.

 

[drrich2]

Oh, and from this: https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/pair-bluetooth-input-devices-macos-recovery/#:~:text=With%20macOS%20Recovery%2C%20you%20can,devices%20that%20connect%20over%20Bluetooth.

"With macOS Recovery, you can perform several troubleshooting related actions on your Mac if it isn't functioning as it should, but booting into Recovery mode may prevent you from automatically using input devices that connect over Bluetooth.

Fortunately, macOS Recovery allows you to pair Bluetooth devices so you can interact more easily with the various utilities. You just need to run through the process manually to get things going again. Here's how."

Sounds like added drama when I would not be in the mood for added drama.

 

[nathansz]

Oh, and from this: https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/pair-bluetooth-input-devices-macos-recovery/#:~:text=With%20macOS%20Recovery%2C%20you%20can,devices%20that%20connect%20over%20Bluetooth.

"With macOS Recovery, you can perform several troubleshooting related actions on your Mac if it isn't functioning as it should, but booting into Recovery mode may prevent you from automatically using input devices that connect over Bluetooth.

Fortunately, macOS Recovery allows you to pair Bluetooth devices so you can interact more easily with the various utilities. You just need to run through the process manually to get things going again. Here's how."

Sounds like added drama when I would not be in the mood for added drama.

Interesting

I haven’t any trouble with my Mx master mouse or keyboard in recovery over Bluetooth

 

[JPack]

And this is an excellent thing. The fundamental electrical socket standard in our homes in the US haven’t changed in what … since 1940? Probably earlier. I think usb-a as a standard is a good thing. Imagine if we changed the electrical socket standard every 20 or 30 years. Heads would explode 🤯. I’m not saying no to usbc or innovation rather I’m saying yes to usba as a standard to keep.

A 1940s computer was a couple thousand sq. ft. and weighed 300 tons. You know how much Mac mini weighs.

Unlike a house, computers are shrinking fast and every mm counts.