[aroman]

I disagree. Just build a strong magnet in there (as was suggested, maybe via the speaker). The advantage of the connector would not be the disconnect-on-trip feature, but rather convenience for plugging and unplugging. Namely, it's a lot easier to just have the cord snap it place magnetically than to futz around with the small metal tip[0].

You're assuming it'd either be too weak or too strong. They would calibrate it until it was "just right", as they do (or try to do) with pretty much all of their ergonomics decisions.

[0] Anecdotally, I own both a MagSafe 2 device and an iPhone 5.

[minor_nitwit]

Or just use wireless charging and sync.

[jblock]

Regardless, I still don't want a big magnet in my pocket

[bbrks]

Yep, right next to all your cards. Brilliant idea if ever I'd seen one.

[PeterisP]

Are any of your cards still magnetic? In my wallet all bank cards use chips, other cards (subway tickets, etc) tend to be wireless/NFC, the remainder (IDs, licences) are either nonfunctional plastic, or chips as well.

OK, in travels some countries probably still try to read the creditcard magstripe, that may be a problem for a part of population. Otherwise it's just like worrying about the macbook demagnetizing your floppy disks..

[bbrks]

My railcard is magnetic only, as well as my student discount card and several store cards.

My university ID uses a magnetic strip and RFID. However the university disabled RFID usage on all of the printers, doors, etc. on day zero after people found out you could easily spoof them.

Granted, at least my important cards use chips/NFC now.

[pbreit]

Why not put the magnet on the cable?

Saying that this could "never work" is silly.

[mynameisvlad]

I don't know about you, but a Lightning connector is one of the easiest I've used. There's no "futzing around".

[aroman]

I use a thick case (OtterBox defender series iirc), and I'm sure that's what causing me the extra frustration. It's by no means a painful experience, though. I guess I wasn't properly separating my daily experience from the product's design :)