I find this overwrought.

First, I thought this would be about wireless, though that works (for me) amazingly well: airpods work seamlessly across phone, ipad, TV, computer; watch unlocks computer; start a message on ipad, finish it on computer, etc. I don't physically interconnect my apple devices any more at all.

Second, I doubt apple with ditch lightning any time soon as it's physically a lot smaller than Type C and allows phones to be smaller. I do imagine it will go away on a future iphone X when wireless charging improves -- then the device will go completely portless.

And I do agree about the watch charger nonsense -- I can't wait until they switch to a nonproprietary inductive charger. Across the board I get the impression Apple don't think they gain anything by using proprietary chargers

I may be in the minority but I've really been happy with the transition to Type C and wireless connection (the exception is the stupid WiFi built into cameras which can only download low-res pictures). My usage for the past couple of years has been pretty much dongle-free.

"It seems like they’re asleep at the wheel, or, more likely, there’s no one team in charge of accessories and the ecosystem anymore at Apple."

That's my concern. It seems like they've become a highly siloed organization and as such are fragmenting. That's not good for their customers. They really need to get their act together and behave like they're a single company with a complete vision and a continuous product line that just works. As it is they just look like they're running off the rails.

"A fool and his money are easily parted..."

He could've easily purchased a previous gen MBP with magsafe and USB-A, and let the USB-C sort it's self out over time. But hay, had to go with latest/greatest devices with no ports and requiring a bunch of adapters/dongles.

I really hope Apple's "courage" comes to bite them in the ass on this, and they at least bring back one USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, and magsafe.

What are the advantages between USB-C vs Lightning? Is there any reason to keep Lightning beyond its incumbency?