What is USB-C?

USB-C is the latest iteration of the USB interface’s connector developed by the USB Implementers Forum. The USB-C was created to be the definitive connector for all consumer electronic users, so that any and all devices could utilize the same connector to transmit data and/or power. Physically speaking, it features 24-pins within an oval-like design. It’s about half the size of the earlier version and commonly used USB-A connector, and roughly equivalent to the size of a Micro-USB connector. Because of the overarching goal of making USB-C as universal as possible, the engineering behind the USB-C connector was meant to support a wide variety of specifications beyond the standard USB transmission specifications. Some even describe the goal of the USB-C as being “one connector to rule them all”. Perhaps the connector was meant to act as a blank canvas for various data and power transmission interfaces to apply their technology. The USB-C connector's design gives it four distinct capabilities: NOTE: USB-C is a designation of the connector’s physical interface (its design and form factor) and should not be confused with USB versions, such as “USB 3.2”, which govern data and power transfer specifications.

Are all USB-C capabilities supported on every USB-C product?

Despite all the capabilities described above, it is important to note that not all USB-C products support USB-C’s full functions. Of the four features listed, only connector reversibility is a feature inherent in all USB-C connectors/ports. For the remaining three capabilities, their level of support depends on the cost-related hardware decisions made by the manufacturers of the products utilizing them. By design the USB-C has flexibility that allows manufacturers to pick-and-choose the level of USB-C functionality available in their product designs. Brands who might want to target a low-to-mid price point, the USB-C port on their product might only support the data speeds of the newest version of the USB specifications (USB 3.2 Gen2). But, a brand more focused on the high-end market might have products with USB-C ports that support Power Delivery 3.0 and Thunderbolt Alt-Mode.