In recent years, USB Type-C has been adopted by many smartphones, tablets, and computers, and has rapidly become widespread.
High-speed data transfer, powerful power supply, and a reversible design bring major advantages in various situations.
In this article, the basic knowledge of USB Type-C, its specifications, and its uses are explained in detail.
Types of USB (Standards) and Their Features
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard used to connect various electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, tablet devices, headphones and cameras.
It defines data transfer speed, power supply capability, connector shape, and size, and by connecting to a USB port, it can be used for various purposes such as connecting peripheral devices, external storage, and charging smartphones or tablets.
USB cables include connectors such as USB Type-A, Micro USB, USB Type-C, and Lightning, as well as versions from USB 1.0 to USB4, and data transfer speed and power supply capability differ depending on the standard.
Types of USB (Standards) and Their Features
USB Type-A
USB Type-A is a representative shape of conventional USB connectors and has been commonly used in computers and chargers until now.
Micro USB
Micro USB is a small connector mainly used in smartphones and tablets.
It is used for data transfer and charging, but in recent years it has been gradually replaced by USB Type-C.
Lightning
Lightning is a proprietary standard developed by Apple.
It is installed in Apple devices such as iPhones and AirPods.
Cables with Lightning connectors are usually connected to USB Type-A or USB Type-C.
What Is USB Type-C?
USB Type-C is the newest USB connector and is adopted in many devices such as smartphones, tablets, and notebook computers.
In the EU, a law was passed to unify charging ports to USB Type-C by 2024 from the perspective of convenience and environmental protection.
Let us introduce the various advantages of USB Type-C.
Advantages of USB Type-C
Advantage 1: Fast Charging
USB Type-C supports the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard and enables power supply of up to 240W.
This makes fast charging possible for smartphones, tablets, and notebook computers.
Some products can charge up to three times faster than conventional chargers.
Advantage 2: Reversible Design That Can Be Inserted in Either Direction
Conventional USB connectors require confirmation of the insertion direction depending on the device.
However, USB Type-C connectors can be inserted on either side, allowing connection without worrying about orientation.
This reduces the effort required for connection.
Advantage 3: High-Speed Data Transfer
USB Type-C also supports video transmission, making it easy to connect to displays and televisions.
USB Type-C cables compatible with USB 3.1 support data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, enabling extremely fast data transfer.
Advantage 4: Multi-Functionality
USB Type-C supports multiple functions such as data transfer, charging, and video transmission.
By using conversion adapters, it can also be used with other USB types and interfaces.
Advantage 5: Reduced Luggage
If electronic devices support USB Type-C, one universal USB Type-C charger and cable are sufficient.
This eliminates the need to carry chargers and cables for each device and reduces cable tangling.
This is convenient for business trips and travel.
Types of USB Type-C Cables
USB Type-C cables come in various types based on USB standards, and each has different characteristics.
By selecting a cable suitable for the device and situation, more efficient and smooth connections are possible.
USB-C to USB-C Cables
They can be used with notebook computers, tablets, smartphones, displays, and docking stations.
USB-C to USB-A Cables
They are used when connecting to chargers, computers, and hubs.
They support data transfer and charging, but do not support video transmission.
USB-C to Lightning Cables
They are mainly used to connect devices equipped with Lightning ports, such as iPhones and AirPods, to USB Type-C compatible chargers or computers.
Fast charging and data transfer are possible.
What Devices Have USB Type-C Ports?
Devices equipped with USB Type-C ports include the following:
- Smartphones and tablets
- Notebook computers
- Desktop computers
- Displays
- Speakers and wireless earphones
Is USB Type-C Cable Suitable for Charging iPhones?
iPhones Up to the iPhone 14 Series
Apple adopted the proprietary Lightning terminal for charging ports from the iPhone 5 through the iPhone 14 series.
Initially, USB-A to Lightning cables were commonly used for connection.
From the iPhone 8 series released in 2017, USB PD charging became supported, enabling fast charging of up to 50% in 30 minutes.
However, since the charging port remains Lightning up to the iPhone 14 series, a USB-C to Lightning cable is required when using USB Type-C.
iPhones Compatible With USB Type-C
From the iPhone 15 series announced in September 2023, USB Type-C was adopted as the charging port.
This eliminated the need to prepare multiple cables and chargers and improved convenience.
Points to Note When Fast Charging With USB Type-C
Not All USB Type-C Cables Support USB PD
USB PD is used in combination with USB Type-C connectors and is often confused, but USB PD and USB Type-C are different concepts.
Not all Type-C cables support USB PD.
All Connected Devices Must Support USB PD
To perform fast charging, the iPhone, cable, and charger must all support USB PD.
If the standards do not match, the expected charging performance will not be achieved.
USB Type-C and Similar Standards: USB PD and Thunderbolt
USB Type-C, USB PD (USB Power Delivery), and Thunderbolt are different concepts, but are often confused due to overlapping functions.
USB Power Delivery (USB PD)
USB PD is one of the USB standards that enables more efficient and faster charging and power supply between devices.
Compared to conventional USB charging, it supports high power transmission of up to 240W and is widely used in smartphones and notebook computers.
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt is a high-speed data transfer standard developed by Intel.
Thunderbolt 3 and later versions adopt USB Type-C connectors and support data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, video transmission, charging, and expansion.
Thunderbolt 4 supports USB PD and enables power supply of up to 100W.
Compatibility Between USB PD and Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt 4 is fully compatible with USB Power Delivery.
Devices that support Thunderbolt 4 can also be charged using USB PD compatible chargers and battery packs.