Apple's switch to USB-C resurfaces the need to label the cables

Apple finally switched to the USB-C port with the iPhone 15 series at its Wanderlust event. While having a ubiquitous port for all phones (and most other gadgets) is a good thing, there is a dire need to label USB-C cables to understand their full capability.

At the outset, USB-C is simple. You can probably grab any USB-C cable lying around to charge your compatible phone. But unless you pay close attention, the combo of cable and power brick might not be charging your device at the optimum speed. That is because it might not adapt to the charging standards and speed of your phone.

Apart from charging, a USB-C cable can transfer data and even drive displays. But you might not be able to figure out what a cable is capable of just by looking at it.

For instance, Apple launched two new cables that are capable of 60W and 240W charging power respectively. Below are the images from the product page. You might notice that one of the cables looks thicker, but there is no specification or marking noting its speed.

While Apple has switched to the USB-C port with the iPhone 15, the base models will still have USB 2.0 speeds for data transfers. Only the Pro models will support data transfer speeds of 10Gbit/s — aka “USB 3 speeds” — but you will have to buy a separate cable for that.

Since USB has many versions when it comes to data transfers, it’s not clear if Apple is trying to simplify or obsfurcate things. Technically, USB 3.0 spec has provision for 5Gbits/s. It is a USB 3.1 spec that introduced the 10Gbits/s speeds. Very conveniently USB 3.1 is also referred to as USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 or USB 3.1 Gen 2 or SuperSpped. There is also a USB 3.2 spec, which supports 20Gbits/s data transfer speeds. Pretty easy, right?

The complexity doesn’t end there as while new standards like USB 4 share a connector with Thunderbolt 4 or 5, the capabilities differ. At least, Thunderbolt cables are likey to have been branded by a Thunderbolt logo.

USB-IF, the agency that certifies USB cables and sets the standard for them under USB Promoters Group, has tried to solve this problem by issuing guidelines to print logos on packaging and cable. However, these are voluntary, and many manufacturers don’t often display these logos. With the new launch, Apple has also released a bunch of USB-C-based accessories, but it’s not clear if there will be any labeling or visual marker to indicate the different features of a cable.

The operating systems have a role to play as well. If you’re trying out an unknown cable with your device, your phone won’t tell you what data or charging speeds it supports. ChromeOS did roll out a feature last year to indicate if the USB-C cable you’re using supports DisplayPort or USB-4. It also indicates if the cable’s data transfer capacity is less than the machine’s transfer capability. Ideally, this is something all operating systems should adopt.

Apple’s adoption of USB-C for iPhones and AirPods will expectedly result in many accessory makers jumping to release many USB-C cables with different capabilities. Manufacturers who become transparent by introducing information about a cable’s capability on the packaging and the cable will likely gain more popularity just because it makes it easier for users to pick a suitable product.