USB-C, popularly known as Type-C, is the latest charging cable introduced into the market. The USB-C cables are easier to use and more powerful compared to older versions of USB cables such as USB-A, USB-B, and USB-Mini B. USB-C is the latest in the line of USB cables and is getting huge support from many top technology brands.

Type c charging cables will likely replace other USB cables in the coming years as more devices adopt the USB-C port. Many popular devices, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, MacBook Pro and Nintendo Switch, are already using USB-C cables.

Let's look at the major features of USB-C cables and their advantages over older versions of USB cables.

Perfectly symmetrical design

The connector of type c charging cables are rectangular with curved corners, resembling the letter C, hence the name. Thus, it has a perfectly symmetrical design, unlike the asymmetrical design of USB-A cables.

The perfect symmetry of the connector enables the USB-C cables to be connected easily to all kinds of devices, such as phones, computers, and gaming consoles. The symmetrical design means the absence of up and down orientation to establish a correct connection, enabling it to be connected in any way you plug it. Thus, it is also called a reversible connector.

High charging capacity

The charging capacity of type c charging cables is as much as 100 Watts or 3 amperes. However, this is possible only when the device has a power delivery protocol feature that allows the type c cable to deliver such a high magnitude of power.

Almost all kinds of Android phones support USB-C cables for charging. Apple’s iPad Pro and iPad Air also support USB-C cables, but iPhones still use Apple's flagship Lightning.

USB-C cables can be used for charging even high-power devices such as laptops, security cameras, high-resolution monitors, and even certain kinds of printers.

High data transfer speed

The type c charging cables are not limited to charging devices only but can be used for transferring data, including audio and video, at high speeds. The data transfer speed of the cable depends upon its nature and the type of port it is connected to.

USB 3.1, USB 3.2, and Thunderbolt 3 are three of the most popular varieties of USB ports utilised in today's gadgets. A USB-C cable can transfer 10 Gbps when attached to a USB 3.1 port, and 20 Gbps when linked to a USB 3.2 port. Apple laptops with a USB-C connector and a Thunderbolt 3 port can transfer 40 Gb/s of data. However, not all USB-C cables will work with Thunderbolt 3 ports because of the high performance they require.

Versatility

The type c charging cables are not just compatible across devices such as smartphones, laptops, security cameras, tablets, and others but connect with various operating systems as well. This implies that USB-C cables work perfectly with Android, iOS, Windows, Google, and other operating systems.

Cost factors

There is a plethora of type c charging cables available in the market by various brands at various price ranges. The costs of USB-C cables depend upon several factors, such as charging rate, data transfer speed, length, durability, brand, and others.

Charging rate and data transfer speed are the major factors. A USB-C cable providing a charging rate of 100W would cost more than one providing a 60W charging rate. Similarly, a type C cable providing 40 GBPS data transfer speed would be priced more than the one providing 10 GBPS data transfer speed.

Market trends

The global market for type c charging cables is currently valued at USD 15.9 billion and is expected to reach USD 127.2 billion in 2022. The CAGR during this period is estimated to be 29.7%.

The faster data transfer speeds provided by USB-C cables are the major reason for the growth of this market. Wide adoption of type C ports by phones, laptops, tablets, and even some models of MacBooks is also driving the growth of this market.

Conclusion

Finally, the growing demand for type c charging cables eliminates the need for using different types of cables and chargers, along with the increasing adoption of type C connectors by many global tech companies, is likely to make USB-C cables the universal option soon.