Can the USB-C data cable be universal across all devices?

Speaking of USB-C, many people may be able to share its advertised advantages and performance. Nowadays, many people on business trips only need to bring a USB-C data cable to exchange data between many devices. Let's review the advantages of USB-C again.

Support positive and negative insertion, and don't hesitate about obsessive-compulsive disorder. The USB-C interface supports forward and reverse insertion, so there is no need to worry about whether the pins correspond, and OCD is cured. However, although the appearance looks like this, the functional limitations of C-port data cables with different functions and speeds vary for each pin, which is also the reason why different Type-C data cable choices appear in the market.

Simultaneously supports data transmission, DP video output, and USB PD protocol charging functions, as well as more luxurious docking station devices. The fully functional USB-C data cable is indeed rich in functions, and one cable can solve many problems. However, for many people, only charging and data transfer are mandatory features of the USB Type-C interface, while other functions are optional. Whether it is a mobile phone manufacturer or a PC manufacturer, they can choose based on product positioning and cost. And this also leads to the phenomenon that we may not be able to use all functions simultaneously during use.

The USB-C interface on the monitor can now support data uplink transmission. I believe everyone has already felt the widespread application of USB-C, and now even monitors are equipped with USB-C interfaces, making it convenient for players to connect various display devices and USB devices. The USB-C downlink interface supports PD fast charging; Through the USB-C uplink interface, laptops can also expand their display usage. When two computers are connected to the monitor at the same time, with a fully functional USB-C interface, KVM switching can also be achieved, and separate control can be achieved with a set of keys and mice.

It has to be said that after the USB-C interface is universal, it can indeed solve many problems.

However, it's not like you can easily purchase a USB-C data cable to achieve universal use across all devices.

• It's not enough to charge iPhone 15 with a USB-C charger

After the release of iPhone 15, Apple phones also officially support USB-C. On Apple's official website, we saw this description: "The USB-C consensus" officially dispels rumors that Apple's USB-C interface will be restricted. That's right, your other phone's USB-C charger may also be able to charge iPhone 15, and there is a possibility of truly achieving universal use across all devices. However, both Huawei and Apple have responded by suggesting that users use original chargers to charge their corresponding devices to avoid affecting their battery life. If you really don't want to choose the original charger from Apple's official website, you can also choose the C TO C charger that supports PD protocol to charge iPhone 15, there is no problem at all.

• It is not possible to charge and transmit data simultaneously with a USB-C data cable

When you find that your USB-C data cable connects your phone and computer together and cannot recognize the phone's storage space, but can charge your phone, this is not a new thing, and there are more than one reasons.

If you are using a USB-A to USB-C connection to your phone, it may be due to insufficient power supply at the computer interface, which prevents data transmission and only allows for charging. You can consider switching to other USB ports on the computer. If it is a chassis, it is recommended to plug it into the USB-A port position at the back of the chassis. The front port may not be connected during wiring.
If you use USB-C to USB-C to connect your computer and phone, and still can only charge, it is possible that the C port on the computer side conflicts with the transmission protocol of the data cable. For example, if the computer end has a lightning interface, and your cable is USB3.2, it is highly likely that there will be a situation where only power supply cannot transmit data. Another possibility is that your data cable can only be charged and does not support data transmission.

• Finally, let's talk about the dazzling USB-C interface transmission speed

After saying so much, I'm sure everyone knows that it's not just a USB-C interface data cable with the same appearance that can achieve the same function, but there are also significant differences in actual transmission rates. This is closely related to the USB-C interface transmission protocol. Let's get tangled up again! There are many types of USB-C interface transmission protocols, such as USB3.1, USB3.1 Gen2x1, USB3.2 Gen2x2, Thunderbolt 3/4 interface, etc. When the transmission rates of the host interface and key devices are not consistent, the actual experience will also be limited by the "barrel principle", and can only be low or high.

In addition, Intel's Thunderbolt 3/4 interface has rich performance and indeed fast speed, but it cannot be recognized by plugging in any USB-C data cable, and the speed may not necessarily reach full speed.