USB-C

USB-C is a 24-pin reversible connector and port used for power delivery and data transfer. USB-C refers to the physical interface, the port, and the cable, not the specification it delivers (e.g., USB-3 or Thunderbolt). USB-C was announced in 2012 and introduced in 2014. The development of the USB-C connector was led by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), an industry group that promotes the adoption of USB technology and includes Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Microsoft. USB-IF stated the motivation for USB-C as:

a need to adapt USB technology to serve newer computing platforms and devices as they trend toward smaller, thinner and lighter form-factors... Additionally, as platform usage models have evolved, usability and robustness requirements have advanced and the existing set of USB connectors were not originally designed for some of these newer requirements. This specification is to establish a new USB connector ecosystem that addresses the evolving needs of platforms and devices while retaining all of the functional benefits of USB that form the basis for this most popular of computing device interconnects.

Since its introduction, USB-C has become the standard connector for a range of devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and keyboards, replacing older USB-A and USB-B connectors. It is expected to become even more widespread. As of January 31, 2020, the European Parliament has voted to standardize chargers for communication devices, reducing the amount of e-waste generated. This may cause some hardware manufacturers to transfer to the USB-C interface or face fines or limitations on the sale of their products in the EU. Although Apple was involved in the development of USB-C and the company introduced the first MacBook with USB-C Thunderbolt in 2016, the company has been reticent to make it a standard charging cable across devices. In September 2023, Apple announced the first iPhones with USB-C ports—iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max.

USB-C connectors have twenty-four pins in total with four power and four ground pins, two pairs for high-speed USB, four shielded pairs for super-speed data, two sideband use pins, and two config and control pins. The diagram below shows the pin layout of a USB-C connector and its reversible configuration.

Diagram of the USB-C pin layout.

The USB-C cable supports multiple specifications, including those below: