Apple has transitioned from including a Lightning to USB-A cable in the box with iPhones to a Lightning to USB-C cable over the past few years. This change has left some iPhone users wondering why Apple now provides a USB-C cable instead of the traditional USB-A version. There are several reasons behind Apple’s shift to packing in Lightning to USB-C cables.
The rise of USB-C
One of the main factors is that USB-C has become the standard port on most new electronics. USB-C has many advantages over older USB versions, like:
- Reversible design that plugs in either way
- Higher power delivery for faster charging
- High-speed data transfer
- Display connectivity including 4K video out
- Universally compatible connector that consolidates types
As more and more devices adopt USB-C, it makes sense for Apple to switch the included iPhone cable to USB-C to accommodate this trend. Most new Android phones, MacBooks, and even iPads ship with USB-C ports and cables now. Providing a USB-C to Lightning cable ensures out-of-the-box compatibility between an iPhone and the latest computers, tablets, and accessories.
Charging speed
The USB-C to Lightning cable allows for faster wired charging speeds than possible with USB-A. Apple’s USB-C cable supports up to 20W fast charging on iPhone 8 or later. With a USB-A to Lightning cable, the charging speed is limited to 12W. The USB-C to Lightning cable takes advantage of Power Delivery technology for providing twice as much power to quickly charge an iPhone’s battery.
MacBook connectivity
Recent MacBooks only have USB-C ports, no USB-A ports. So including a USB-C Lightning cable allows for a direct wired connection between an iPhone and MacBook right away, without any adapters needed. This keeps everything streamlined in Apple’s ecosystem between their laptops and smartphones out of the box.
Future-proofing
While USB-A is still common, USB-C is clearly becoming the standard across electronics. By switching to USB-C cables, Apple is preparing customers for the future as more devices adopt this new versatile connector. Even though USB-A ports are prevalent today, they are getting phased out going forward so USB-C is more future-proof.
Benefits of USB-C Over USB-A
Here are some of the key advantages USB-C has over the traditional USB-A connection:
| USB-C Benefits | USB-A |
|---|---|
| Reversible connector | Not reversible |
| Higher power delivery | Lower power |
| Faster data transfer speeds | Slower speeds |
| Display connectivity | No display support |
| Universally compatible | Not compatible with USB-C devices |
As you can see, USB-C offers significant advantages over the dated USB-A standard. The reversible connector, faster speeds, power delivery, and universal compatibility make USB-C the interface of the future.
Reversible Design
One major advantage USB-C has over USB-A is that the connector is reversible. The USB-C plug has the same rectangular shape on both sides, so it doesn’t matter which way you plug it in – upside down or right-side up. This prevents the frustration of trying to insert a USB plug and flipping it over when it doesn’t fit.
With USB-A, the connector has a distinct top and bottom that has to be aligned correctly to fit in a port. The rectangular USB-A plug needs to be oriented the right way for it to plug in properly. Having a reversible connector on USB-C makes connecting any cable so much easier and convenient since you never have to think about which way is up.
Higher Power Delivery
USB-C allows up to 100 watts of power delivery, far exceeding USB-A’s capabilities. This enables much faster charging through USB-C cables and connectors.
For example, a USB-C to USB-C cable can charge a laptop at rates over 60 watts. In comparison, even new USB 3.2 cables using USB-A ports only support up to 20 watts. With over five times more available power, USB-C can charge devices incredibly fast compared to standard USB-A.
When it comes to iPhones, using the USB-C to Lightning cable allows you to take advantage of higher-wattage USB-C Power Delivery chargers. That means you can charge your iPhone from 0 to 50% battery in just 30 minutes with the right charger. USB-A to Lightning cables max out at 12 watts, so USB-C enables dramatically faster iPhone charging.
Faster Transfer Speeds
USB 3.2 achieves speeds up to 20Gbps, twice that of USB 3.0’s 10Gbps using USB-A ports. This makes data transfers much quicker with compatible USB-C cables.
File transfers are significantly faster with USB 3.2 over USB-C versus USB-A. Things like syncing an iPhone or iPad to a computer are much quicker thanks to USB-C’s higher potential bandwidth. USB-C is simply better optimized for modern speed requirements.
Display Connectivity
Unlike USB-A, USB-C supports high-resolution display output. With a USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort cable, you can directly connect a monitor or television to a smartphone, tablet, or computer using USB-C.
USB-C enables video output up to 8K at 60fps. This is not possible over USB-A, which lacks any display capabilities. USB-C consolidates the ports needed to power devices, transfer data, and drive external displays.
Universal Compatibility
USB-C has a standardized connector shape, cable wiring, and communication protocols. This makes it universally compatible with any USB-C device. Simply put, all USB-C devices can interact seamlessly with one another.
On the other hand, USB-A connectors have conflicting shapes, sizes, and specifications. There are USB-A, USB Micro-B, and other USB connector variants that have limited compatibility. USB-C’s uniform design makes it a truly universal connector that removes confusion and incompatibility issues.
Comparison Between USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs Gen 2
There are two generations of USB 3.2 that deliver different maximum speeds:
| Specification | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
| Also Known As | USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB 3.0 |
USB 3.1 Gen 2 |
| Max Speed | 5Gbps | 20Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 625MB/s | 2500MB/s |
| Cables | USB-A, USB-C | USB-C |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 is equivalent to the original USB 3.0 standard introduced in 2008. It offers speeds up to 5Gbps.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 bumps up the maximum theoretical speed to 20Gbps. So Gen 2 is four times faster than Gen 1.
But you need a USB-C cable to achieve Gen 2 speeds. USB 3.2 Gen 1 works over both traditional USB-A and USB-C.
The bottom line is that USB 3.2 Gen 2 provides the fastest performance thanks to its 20Gbps transfer rate. But you need devices with USB-C ports and cables on both ends to reach those blazing fast speeds.
Speed Comparison Between USB Generations
Here is how transfer speeds have improved with each version of USB:
| USB Version | Max Speed | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| USB 1.0 | 12Mbps | 1996 |
| USB 1.1 | 12Mbps | 1998 |
| USB 2.0 | 480Mbps | 2000 |
| USB 3.0 | 5Gbps | 2008 |
| USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 5Gbps | 2013 |
| USB 3.1 Gen 2 | 10Gbps | 2013 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 5Gbps | 2019 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 20Gbps | 2019 |
USB speeds took a huge leap forward with USB 3.0 in 2008, delivering over 10 times faster performance than USB 2.0. Additional performance gains came with introduction of USB 3.1 Gen 2 reaching 10Gbps in 2013.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 pushes maximum speeds up to an incredible 20Gbps. That’s over 15 times faster than original USB 1.0! While real-world speeds are lower than maximum rates, USB-C still enables exponentially faster data transfer compared to early USB versions.
Advantages of Faster USB Speeds
Faster USB data transfer speeds provide many practical benefits, including:
- Faster file transfers – Copy files to external drives quicker
- Reduced backup time – Quickly create backups of your data
- Snappier software installs – Install apps and software updates in a fraction of the time
- Better gaming performance – Improves gaming responsiveness with peripherals
- Higher resolution displays – Support multiple high-res external monitors
- Speedier charging – Fast charge mobile devices quicker
- Enhanced productivity – Less time waiting for file transfers or syncing
The raw speed of interfaces like USB 3.2 Gen 2 enables better experiences when transferring data, powering peripherals, connecting displays, and more. As demand for high-bandwidth applications increases, USB-C’s impressive speeds will only become more advantageous compared to dated USB-A ports.
Disadvantages of USB-A Compared to USB-C
While USB-A is universally available, it has some inherent downsides and limitations compared to modern USB-C:
- Slower maximum speeds – USB 3.0 maxes out at 5Gbps vs USB 3.2 Gen 2’s 20Gbps
- Lower power delivery – Up to 12W charging vs up to 100W with USB-C PD
- Not reversible – USB-A plugs must be oriented correctly to insert into port
- No display support – Cannot directly connect monitors and TVs
- Multiple incompatible shapes – USB-A, USB-B, Mini, Micro versions with limited cross compatibility
- Dated design – Interface developed in the mid 1990s, doesn’t meet modern needs
The USB-A connector itself represents a limitation in terms of speed, power delivery, and functionality. While the USB-A port remains ubiquitous, its technology is outdated compared to what USB-C makes possible. At some point, USB-A will fade away as USB-C takes over completely.
Do You Still Need USB-A Ports and Cables?
Despite the advantages of the new USB-C standard, USB-A still has its place, at least in the near term. Here are some cases where you may want USB-A ports and cables:
- Connecting old USB devices – Many legacy devices like printers only have USB-A connectors
- Charging some phones/tablets – Depending on device, USB-A may charge faster than USB-C
- Wired keyboards and mice – Many peripherals still utilize USB-A connections
- File transfers from old computers – Moving data from PCs with only USB-A ports
- Traveling – USB-A ports may be more widely available than USB-C in public spaces
- Cars – Most built-in infotainment systems only have USB-A input
You’ll get the most future-proof experience from USB-C. But USB-A still simplifies compatibility issues with older accessories and systems. Having both USB-C and USB-A ports available provides the greatest flexibility.
Conclusion
Apple’s transition from USB-A to USB-C cables reflects the broader shift in the tech industry. As the new standard, USB-C sports a range of enhancements over dated USB-A. The reversible connector, higher speeds, increased power delivery, and universal compatibility make USB-C the interface of the future.
While USB-A remains commonplace, its limitations become more apparent as USB-C takes over. The decision to switch to USB-C makes the latest iPhones more compatible with modern computers, tablets, and chargers. And it prepares iPhone users for the eventual ubiquity of USB-C on electronics of all kinds.
Providing a USB-C to Lightning cable rather than USB-A enables faster iPhone charging, direct connections to USB-C MacBooks, and taps into USB-C’s potential. Apple is clearly looking ahead to a future where USB-C replaces USB-A entirely. While you may still need USB-A today, get ready for USB-C to dominate tomorrow – that’s why Apple now ships iPhones with a USB-C cable.