It's great that USB-C cables are everywhere, but not all of them are the same. The dream of having a single cable that works across all tech devices isn't entirely relived. This reminds us of how HDMI cables and their messy ecosystem over the years. The HDMI mess was not secret knowledge, yet we didn't learn. The trajectory of USB-C rhymes so closely with HDMI's trajectory that you wonder whether some degree of connector chaos is simply inevitable.
Not all USB-C cables are equal. There's USB 2.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.1 Type-C, and USB 3.2 Type-C, each with different speeds and capabilities. Some cables support USB 3.2 speeds, while some are stuck at USB 2.0. Some carry a video signal, but most do not. Some can handle 140-watts of power delivery, others peak out at around 60-watts.
The certification problem is also a concern. The USB Implementers Forum introduced certification programmes, but many cables are still uncertified. To avoid the anxiety of buying a cable that may not work, it's essential to read the specs carefully before making a purchase.
The only way around this maze is to get it right. The USB-C connector itself is not the limitation or complication. The spec, in its fullest form, is genuinely impressive. However, the complexity of the ecosystem is a peculiarly human story, one of habits and trends, more than being a technology one.
