Allion Labs | Vincent Wang

Since Apple launched the first Apple MacBook with the USB-C interface in 2015 and MacBook Pro 2016 with the USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) specification, the new design makes the MacBook thinner by replacing the other transport interfaces. Users could connect to other devices or charge their MacBook via USB-C. But here’s the thing, there are still many laptops, desktops, or mobiles on the market that are not abandoning USB Type-A or Micro-USB. Users need USB-C adapters, docking stations, or hubs to connect both USB-C and traditional USB sides. Except for USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter or Docking officially launched by Apple, the market is full of similar accessories offered by other brands. Some of them do cause data transmission, display, or charging issues and eventually leave consumers with bad impressions.

So, how can we prevent these issues before they occur? What kinds of these issues or annoying problems users may face when they use those accessories!? In the next paragraphs, we are introducing the 4 common issues and what Allion can provide brands or manufacturers to prevent these issues and safeguard your accessory quality.

Starting in 2015, Apple has used USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) as a connectivity standard which replaces the traditional interfaces and makes Mac more flexible with its multi-function feature

The Four Most Common Issues When Using Mac Accessories

The first type: communication protocol or electrical signal issues

1. The connected device CANNOT be recognized by the Mac system or work properly

  • The inserted SD card CANNOT be successfully detected after connecting the card reader to the Mac system
  • The external hard drive CANNOT be detected by the Mac system
  • CANNOT display images from the connected accessory device via USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) interface

2. The SuperSpeed device is identified as a High-Speed device or with an even lower spec

3. Some of the device’s functions fail when using a USB-C Multiport adapter or a Docking

The second type: Dysfunction Issues

1. A flashback or an error message on the device’s proprietary software

2. The macOS bundled software works incorrectly when connecting an accessory

3. Mac’s power supply CANNOT work smoothly when connecting an accessory

The third type: bad user experience

1. Wrong descriptions of the packaging, user manual or notifications, etc.

2. The Mac system underperforms or has abnormal power management

3. Interoperability issues with Apple accessories

4. Software support is not updated in time for Mac O.S.

The fourth type: Device issue affects other components

The above issues may happen in users’ daily lives. Since people exchange information or idea every day online or offline. Poor user experiences could make a significant impact on other buyers’ purchase decisions and even damage the brand. To better perfect user experiences, you need a complete and rigorous testing process to ensure your product quality before product launch. That’s why you need Allion’s solution.

Mac QA Accessories Certification Program—The Solution to Better Your Mac Accessories

As the Apple Store QA Third-party Peripherals Test Lab, Allion launches the Mac Accessories QA Program. The program defining the test specifications will ensure your Mac accessories, including cables, dongles, adapters, earphones, and speakers perfectly work with Mac systems, as we as achieve customer satisfaction. This QA certification test for USB-C accessories covers the following two items:

  1.  USB-C (Thunderbolt3) Function QA  

The test includes mechanical testing, verification on the product packaging descriptions and user manual, product functional testing (including software test capability and MacOS applications), stability testing, and performance testing.

  1.  USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) De-sense QA

Check attenuation on each USB-C/Thunderbolt of the MacBook (Pro) series when connecting a device. Identity product easily

Consumers can check whether their accessories have passed the test or not via the website https://qa.allion.com/Products.asp

Allion Provides the Highest Quality Assurance for Your Products

A high-quality accessory should have good connectivity, stability, and functionality in the Apple macOS ecosystem. As the Apple Store QA Third-Party Peripherals Test Lab, Allion’s newly launched program will ensure your Mac accessories perfectly work with Mac systems, as we as achieve customer satisfaction. Those Mac accessories passing the QA program will receive Allion’s test certificate, one of Apple’s pre-requests to get into the Mac Store, and also a high-quality mark for product or channel marketing.

Apple Mac’s market share has increased significantly in recent years. It leads to high demand for Mac accessories. When consumers don’t know how to choose an accessory, they may refer to Allion’s Mac QA Certificate and Allion’s Mac QA website https://qa.allion.com/Products.asp