31/05/2024
USB Types And Their Uses:
Type A
The oldest standard, flat, rectangular interface, you’ll find this on the end of most USB cables. The cable only inserts one way. Computers come packed with USB-A ports for connecting peripherals. Common on TVs, games consoles and older Smartphones and tablets.
Type B
A near square connecter, not often found amongst mobile devices aside from printers and devices that connect to computers. They aren’t very common, and you are unlikely to need one for mobile electronic devices.
Mini-USB
A small connector that for a time was standard for mobile devices, this is no longer the case, the most common place to see these now is on various portable Bluetooth speakers.
Micro-USB
Another past standard, this has been on the decline in mobile & portable devices for a few years now. Even smaller than mini-USB. You may still find the odd phone, tablet, or USB battery packs and game controllers, however, most have moved onto USB-C.
Type-C
The new standard and newest type of USB cable, a reversible connection. It packs more power throughput and has higher data transfer rates than previous USB types. USB-C can also handle multiple functions at the same time. Common on modern laptops, smartphones, and game consoles. This is the new industry standard.
Lightning
Apple’s proprietary connector for iPhone, AirPods and certain iPads. It is not a USB standard; however, it has been a mainstay on Apple devices since 2012. Interestingly newer iPad Pro models now use USB-C.
Source: GP Batteries