Ever wondered the same thing? What the “C” in USB-C means

USB-C has become an integral part of our digital lives. We use it to charge cell phones, transfer data and connect computers to monitors.

Yet few people actually know what the letter “C” in USB-C means.

Many think the letter stands for “Connector”. Others guess “Charging” because USB-C is typically used for charging.

Some even think it has to do with the shape of the connector itself. But none of these explanations are correct.

A simple explanation

The truth is simpler: “C” is just the next in line.

USB-C was preceded by USB-A and USB-B, so “C” is the third generation in the evolution. The name is not an acronym, but a natural continuation of previous versions.

The purpose of USB-C was to unify the many different types of connectors into one universal format that can be flipped both ways and used for many more purposes, from power and data to image and sound.

How USB-C became the standard for everything

The specifications for USB-C were published back in August 2014 by the USB Implementers Forum organization.

Since then, the format has spread to virtually every type of electronics: computers, tablets, cell phones, cameras and even some home appliances.

USB-C has made it easier for consumers to use the same cables and chargers across different devices. It’s a goal that many manufacturers and the EU have been working towards.

Will there be a USB-D?

It would be logical that the next generation will one day be called USB-D, but according to new EU rules, it could be many years before that happens, if it happens at all.

The EU has adopted requirements that will come into effect in 2028, requiring manufacturers to equip even more devices with USB-C.

This means that USB-C will remain the standard for the foreseeable future.

So the next time you plug your charger into your phone, you’ll know that the “C” stands for neither “Charging” nor “Connector”, but simply for the third generation of USB connectors.