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USB-C is one of the most important pieces of technology in recent years. It is a USB connector with many advantages over older USB connectors, and it looks like it will soon become the most widely used USB connector. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about USB-C: from its history to the future and the new rules coming into effect in 2024!
The History of USB-C
It is interesting. USB-C was developed by a company called USB Implementers Forum, which is made up of major companies such as Apple, Intel, Microsoft, and more. They were looking for a new USB connector that would be small enough to fit modern devices while also being able to support the faster data transfer speeds that USB cables are now capable of. USB-C was the answer, and it was released in 2016 with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) certification.
The USB-C connector is not only a new physical USB connector, it is also a new USB standard. The USB-C connector can support data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps, which is ten times faster than the previous USB standard.
When will it be officially implemented?
In September 2017, a new 3.2 USB-C variant was launched, which can transfer data up to 20Gbitps on USB cables no longer than two meters.
Later, in early 2019, the USB4 was introduced, which is not accessible without USB-C. This was the pivotal point where all brands started USB-C, as everyone wanted to be ahead of others when it comes to technology.
USB-C is the new standard, and it's here to stay. In fact, the USB Type-C specification will become the new universal standard for all USB connections. The USB Implementers Forum has announced that all new USB devices will be required to support USB-C by .
How does USB-C work?
USB-C is a USB connector designed to replace older USB connectors. It's smaller, more durable and can transfer data at much faster speeds than older USB connectors. USB-C is also reversible, so you don't have to worry about plugging it in upside down! Many companies, be it Apple, Google or Microsoft, USB-C has become the new standard USB connector. USB-C can charge devices much faster than older USB connections, and it can also transfer data at much faster speeds.
In the past year, many new devices have come out with USB-C ports. The new Macbook Pro uses USB-C, as do many of the new Chromebooks. Even all new Android phones now use USB-C!
What are the advantages of USB-C?
There are many benefits of USB-C, but some of the most notable are:
Similar dimensions: USB-C is about the same size as a Micro USB connector, but with a different housing.
Faster data transfer rates: USB-C can transfer data at up to 40Gbps, which is much faster than older USB connectors. Previously, micro-USB connectors could only transfer data up to 480Mbps, but USB-C can go up to 40Gbps.
Faster charging: USB-C can charge devices much faster than older USB connectors.
Reversible: USB-C is reversible, so you don't have to worry about plugging it in upside down! Many devices have been damaged by USB cable insertion incorrectly, but USB-C will put an end to that.
The future of USB-C
The USB Type-C specification will become the new universal standard for all USB connections, and the USB Implementers Forum has announced that all new USB devices will be required to support USB-C by 2024.
This means we can expect USB-C to become the new standard USB connector on all devices in the next few years. USB-C is already the standard on many new devices, and we can expect that trend to continue as more devices now come out with USB-C ports.
- The USB Type-C is the emerging standard in the mobile world. All new flagship phones from Samsung, LG, HTC, Huawei, and Google Pixel use USB Type-C. The Apple Macbook also uses USB Type-C. It is slowly becoming the new standard port for charging and data transfer in mobile phones.
- One of the advantages USB Type-C has over micro USB is that it is much easier to connect. With micro USB you often have to check which side is up before you plug it in. With USB Type-C this does not matter because the connector is symmetrical.
- Voss charging, such as 75% in the first 30 minutes, is only possible with USB Type-C. Since USB Type-C is a new standard, it is also backwards compatible. So you can use older USB cables with it.
- The USB Implementers Forum has announced that USB Type-C will become the new standard for USB audio. USB-C will replace the current ports used on many devices. Because there are multiple channels on these 24 pins, a lot of digital audio information can be transferred.
- There's no doubt that USB-C is much more convenient than today's iPhone/iPad chargers. USB-C can provide much more power than the standard USB port. That's why the new Macbook uses a USB-C charger. You may also see USB-C on iPhone soon.
New rules for USB-C on the way in 2024
The USB Type-C specification will become the new universal standard for all USB connections, and the USB Implementers Forum has announced that all new USB devices must support USB-C by 2024.
This means we can expect USB-C to become the new standard USB connector on all devices in the next few years. The main reason for this change is that less electronics are wasted and that all USB-related products get a common standard.
Lawmakers in Europe have mandated that all phones, tablets and cameras sold in the region must have a USB-C charging port by 2024. Apple's iPhones that use the Lightning port to charge will also be covered by the new law.
The latest rules require a USB-C port to be built into all future smartphones sold in the EU, including iPhones, by the fall of 2024. All small and medium-sized portable electronic devices can be charged with one charger, so consumers don't have to buy a different charger and cable for every new device.
So the rules only apply to wired devices, not wirelessly charged devices. According to the European Parliament, around 11 000 tonnes of e-waste is generated each year by discarded and unused chargers. These new charges will save consumers around €250 million per year as more chargers will be reused.
Conclusion
USB-C is the new standard for USB connections, and all new devices will have to support it by 2024. This change is due to less electronics being wasted and a common standard for all USB-related products. USB-C is much more convenient than current chargers for Android, Windows and iPhone/iPad and can deliver much more power than the standard USB port.
You'll soon see USB-C on the iPhone too, especially in Europe. All small and medium-sized portable electronic devices can be charged with one charger, so consumers don't have to buy a different charger and cable for every new device. All in all, it is certain that USB-C will be here for a very long time.
FAQ
Can USB-C be used for data transfer?
Yes, USB-C can be used for data transfer. In fact, USB-C is capable of transferring data at speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which is far more than conventional USB transfer speeds.
Can USB-C be used for video output?
Yes, USB-C can be used for video output. USB-C is suitable for resolutions up to 4096x23040 at 60Hz. If you are passionate about gaming, USB-C is the best option for you. Because USB-C delivers the best results for live streaming and gaming.
What is USB Power Delivery?
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a specification for handling power delivery over USB-C. With USB PD, a USB-C port can deliver up to 100W of power to devices. This is enough to charge a laptop or power an external monitor. USB PD is also used for fast charging of smartphones and other devices.
Why don't iPhones use USB-C?
The reason iPhones don't use USB-C is that Apple's Lightning port is proprietary, and USB-C is a USB standard. Apple has not announced any plans to move to USB-C for its iPhone line. But after changes in EU rules on e-waste, we can expect USB-C on iPhones too.
When will USB-C be fully implemented?
The USB Implementers Forum has announced that all new USB devices will be required to support USB-C by 2024. This means that we can expect USB-C to become the new standard USB connector on all devices in the coming years. The main reason for this change is that less electronics are wasted and that all USB-related products get a common standard.
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