Apple 'contributes' to ruining the dream of USB-C

Even though it’s been 7 or 8 years since USB-C first became widely known, the compatibility and feature issues have yet to be fully resolved. Many still hold out hope that the port will live up to its original purpose, but the reality is that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to do so.

PHOTO: AFP

To understand the problems with USB-C, just look around many living rooms. Can users remember which chargers are compatible with which devices? Determining which USB-C port does what has become a complicated task, requiring users to consult the user manual. USB-C can do a lot of things, from charging to transferring data, but it often doesn’t do any of them well.

The mess in the USB-C standard

One of the biggest problems with USB-C is the mess of standards. Users often have no idea how many different charging standards exist in the smartphone world , or what data speeds are being used on Apple’s computers. Interfacing with products using the same interface has become a nightmare.

While there have been improvements, such as the adoption of USB Power Delivery (USB PD) for USB-C devices, this still doesn’t guarantee fast charging for all devices. Some government agencies, such as those in China, are also trying to unify fast charging standards through the Universal Fast Charging Specification (UFCS), but widespread adoption remains a challenge.

USB-C is about more than just charging, it also involves data transfer speeds, audio, and display support. However, the lack of clarity around the data transfer protocols makes it difficult for consumers to understand the capabilities of each port. While it was introduced to clear up some confusion, USB4 has created more variations and added to the confusion.

PHOTO: THE VERGE

Notably, one of the biggest companies in the tech industry, Apple, has adopted USB-C with the iPhone 15 series, but so far the company has failed to provide the necessary clarity to users. The chaos in the USB-C world continues, and users are still faced with a variety of different cables and chargers.

USB-C has great potential to reduce e-waste and simplify device use, but the reality is that it has done the opposite. Fragmentation in standards and features has undermined the promise of a clean and efficient technology ecosystem. Without further improvements and tighter regulations, USB-C will continue to be a major challenge for consumers in the future.