[aeternus]

Magnetic really seems great for connections, I wonder why it isn't used more.

[q3k]

There being an Apple patent [1] involved doesn't help.

[1] - https://patents.google.com/patent/US7311526B2/en

[ken]

Even Apple has stopped using it, though.

Rumor is that it had reliability issues (and I'm seeing that with my own MagSafe plug), but of course no official word.

[GuB-42]

Apple didn't make the first magnetic connector. It was already common for fondue sets. The patent is about Apple's particular implementation.

I suppose it wouldn't be that hard to work around if people really wanted to.

[mc32]

Unless Microsoft paid or has cross licensing agreements with Apple, they also use mag connectors on some of their hardware offerings.

[mntmoss]

With nicer connectors, and non-standard connectors, there's usually additional manufacturing cost involved that makes for expensive plugs and cables. As such the standards get driven by every manufacturer wanting to save a few pennies on I/O, while acknowledging that some applications might prefer quick removal or a secure lock.

I have a pair of high-end AKG headphones that uses a "mini-XLR" connection. This is a non-standard variant of the popular 3-pin XLR used throughout pro audio equipment. When the provided cable that converts mini-XLR to 3.5mm TRS started failing, I went onto Amazon and found a generic $11 cable, but within a week of use it became clear that it was poorly made, with a metal cap acting as the only source of strain relief.

I've ordered another adapter, one that adapts the plug to 3.5mm without a cable, and it also costs $11. Not as bad cost-wise as some Apple device cables, but fingers crossed.