USB-C is the future of computer connectivity, but in the two years we’ve been using it there remains a great deal of confusion over USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, and what any given cable with USB-C connectors is capable of. AppleInsider breaks it all down again, makes some specific cable recommendations, and talks about why we think it isn’t the last time we’re going to have this conversation.
Apple introduced USB-C to its user base with the Retina 12-inch MacBook. At the time, it was in essence a basic USB port that could power the Mac from an external source, yet limited to USB 3.0 speeds of 5Gbit per second. It was officially called USB 3.1 type C Generation 1.
The same physical port was used in the 2016 MacBook Pro refresh, offering a faster, more capable Thunderbolt 3 connection with the same USB-C physical connector. And now, the MacBook Air and Mac mini has Thunderbolt 3, and the iPad Pro is a USB 3.1 type C device, instead of Lightning.
Two years down the road, let’s take a look at what Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C means to Apple users. And, we’ll try to ease some of your pain if you’re in the middle of the battle.
USB-C versus USB 3.1 versus Thunderbolt 3
Put simply, and we cannot emphasize this strongly enough, USB-C as a term by itself means nothing about data speed or charging ability —it is literally, and only, a description of the physical connector.
Thunderbolt 3 at 40Gbit per second has to be USB-C at both ends. USB 3.1 at 5Gbit per second or 10Gbit per second does not. Both share the same physical USB-C connector for the host device, though.
Seven USB-C cables, seven different specs —which is which?
Complicating matters somewhat, some Thunderbolt 3 cables can function as a USB 3.1 type C cable —but not all can. A USB 3.1 type C cable is never a Thunderbolt 3 cable, despite having the same connectors.
Also, not every USB-C cable —be it Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1 Type-C —is capable of providing 100W that is allowed in the specification. In fact, between poor quality cabling available at multiple venues, terrible cable markings, and Apple’s obsession for plain white cabling, this is more confusing now, with no improvement in the last two years.
Read more at appleinsider.com