When Apple moved the iPhone to USB-C with the iPhone 15, it left behind more than just the Lightning port.While each new iPhone comes with a USB-C charging cable, many cars still use USB-A ports to enable wired CarPlay.That’s created an annoying gap for drivers: no first-party cable to connect a USB-C iPhone to a USB-A car.
Apple’s workaround? A $29 USB-C to Lightning adapter—not exactly what CarPlay users were hoping for.More recently, Beats has stepped in with the cable Apple never made.And since Beats is an Apple brand, this USB-A to USB-C cable is effectively the official solution for using CarPlay with USB-C iPhones.
Apple bought Beats in 2014, acquiring both the headphone business and Beats Music, the streaming service that became the foundation for Apple Music.A decade later, Apple started using the Beats brand for more than just audio gear, beginning with Beats-branded iPhone cases.A few months after that, Apple launched the first Beats-branded line of USB cables—including the long-awaited USB-A to USB-C cable.
While it’s far from the first of its kind, some CarPlay fans have embraced the Beats cable as the de facto Apple-backed solution, favoring it over less expensive options from Belkin and other third-party accessory makers.The Beats USB-A to USB-C cable comes in two braided finishes—Bolt Black and Surge Stone—and is available in two lengths: a short 20 cm version and a standard 1.5 m version.It’s priced at $18.99, though the longer version in black is currently cheaper on Amazon thanks to a 15% off coupon.
A two-pack is also available, offering additional savings per cable.Check out these iPhone apps and accessories USB-C charger MagSafe battery Wireless CarPlay adapter Craft for iPhone, iPad, Mac Fantastical + Cardhop Follow Zac Hall: X | Threads | Instagram | Mastodon You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.
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