Apple Putting the Clamps on Third Party Accessories

Last week I received word from one of my favorite accessory companies stating that they will no longer be selling a popular accessory as of November 2, 2010. Hypermac stated that they will no longer be selling their Macbook charging cables that have implemented the MagSafe technology, yet they will continue to sell their backup batteries. The problem lies in this, there is no way to connect the battery without said cable.

The official statement from Hypermac states the stoppage relates to their “ongoing comprehensive licensing negotiations with Apple”, but reading between the lines one can’t help but read, Apple is threatening to sue us so we won’t be doing this anymore. It really is a shame because this is one product that the road warrior really implements as it allows you to charge your Macbook from a battery or in your car. In my opinion it’s just another way for Apple to flex their muscles even though it just hurts the consumer.

You can read the official statement from Hypermac below:

Dear Valued Customers,

As part of our ongoing comprehensive licensing negotiations with Apple regarding a wide array of technologies and issues, we have decided to cease the sale of the MacBook charging cables and car charger on November 2, 2010.

While we will continue to sell the same batteries together with the rest of our product line after November 2nd, they will not be able to charge MacBooks without the cables.

If you wish to get the world’s ONLY external battery and car charger solution that works with ALL MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (supports dual voltage) as well as the iPad, iPhone 3/3GS/4, iPod and all other USB devices, NOW is the time.

On November 2, 2010 00:00 U.S. Pacific Time, they will gone for good.

As we have very limited stocks, do order early to avoid disappointment. We will continue to sell until November 2nd and while stocks last.

We wish thank the many customers who have already gotten the HyperMac External MacBook Battery and those of you that gave us wonderful reviews.

I’m not sure if this will lead to other accessory companies eliminating some of their offering before they get into “licensing negotiations” with Apple or if this is an isolated incident, but it sure isn’t good for consumers.