If you're having problems with the USB ports on your 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020) and MacBook Air (2020), you're not alone

MacRumors (via TechRadar) reports from the MacRumors forums, Reddit, and Apple Communities that the latest MacBooks are having trouble getting USB 20 accessories to work Since these two models only have built-in USB-C ports (using the new USB 30 standard), those who need to connect adapters or USB-C hubs to connect other accessories may encounter this problem

This problem seems to affect all kinds of USB accessories, including headphones, mice, keyboards, etc, causing peripherals to not connect, and the MacBook itself to slow down or freeze when connected

One user reported that even when this occurs, HDMI connections through a hub to another monitor will work, so it is likely not a hub or accessory failure Software fixes such as resets, account replacements, and installations have proven ineffective; even users who have had their MacBooks replaced by Apple have noticed that they still have problems with their new laptops

Another user says that a USB hub of some sort can be used as a workaround Perhaps due to internal software that switches the USB 20 connection to a virtual USB 30 connection before connecting to the laptop

One Reddit user who tried to diagnose the problem believes that it is a software issue and is due to how the latest version of the software, MacOS Catalina, handles devices with older USB connectors

If it is a software issue, this is great news because Apple can fix these problems with an update If the problem is related to MacBook hardware, Apple may be forced to initiate an expensive recall program to replace the faulty components