USB-C, also known as Type-C, is the latest connector developed by the USB Implementers' Forum (USB-IF), a group of industry leaders within the consumer electronics community, such as Apple, Intel, Dell, and Belkin. As many of the world's most recognised manufacturers are supporting this new technology, it is likely to be widely adopted. With such support, USB-C will gradually replace previous USB types, including USB-A, USB-B and USB Mini-B. Plus, as future devices are equipped with the new USB-C port, which is smaller than its predecessors, it's likely these devices will also be thinner and lighter than ever before.

WHY IS USB-C BETTER THAN EXISTING USB CABLES?

USB-C IS EASIER TO USE

• Reversible Connector. The USB-C, or Type-C connector is user friendly. There's no up or down orientation so it works regardless of which way you plug it in.
• Truly universal. Not just happy to work with smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, or anything that traditionally connects via USB, USB-C is also at home across different operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, Google and more. Now that's a real game changer.

PERFORMANCE

• It's really, really fast. USB-C can transfer data at up to 10Gbps (gigabits per second). Or an entire high definition feature-length movie in just 30 seconds. That's up to 20 times faster than USB2.0.
• More power. With up to 100 watts, or 3 amps of power, USB-C cables can power almost anything. From laptops to large high-resolution monitors, even some printers.
• The 4K Ultra HD experience. USB-C cables can deliver Ultra-HD 4K video resolution to USB-C and HDMI displays. That's 4 times the resolution of standard high definition.

THE FUTURE OF USB-C

• USB-C isn't just a new development. It's a new standard. Which means that everything it promises — speed, ease of use, universality — can be applied to all sorts of devices. With this much potential, USB-C has another edge over existing USB cables: it'll be around for much longer.

WHAT'S BEHIND THE MOVE TO USB-C?

• Mountains of defunct cables in landfills across the world motivated action for reform. Tech companies the world over responded to new European regulations that called for a standard connector.
• The USB-C connector is being widely adopted by manufacturers including Apple, Google and Microsoft. With such widespread support from these market-leading manufacturers, it's only a matter of time before the new standard becomes the norm.
• The idea of new technology that embraces future proofing for environmental reasons is ground-breaking. At Belkin, we are proud to be a part of this pioneering move toward an environmentally sustainable, tech-friendly future.

IS USB TYPE-C THE SAME AS USB 3.1?

• Although USB-C and USB 3.1 were developed at the same time, they are not the same thing.
• USB 3.1 is an upgrade from the familiar USB 2.0, and more recent USB 3.0, offering significantly faster data transfer.
• USB-C is not backward compatible, however we offer USB-C cables and adapters for your every need.
• USB 3.1 is the new technology. The USB-C connector enables the functionality to support the new technology.

WHAT IS USB POWER DELIVERY?

• USB Power Delivery, or USB PD, is a charging protocol that uses high speed USB-C connecters and cables. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops that are Power Delivery-enabled allow safe, faster charging and more power for larger devices, without the need of a separate power supply. USB PD will charge your smartphone up to 70% faster than standard 5W charging. You can even share power between USB PD devices.

Belkin recommends only using a certified USB-C cable (also known as a USB Type-C cable), otherwise you may be purchasing a counterfeit product that could damage or destroy your devices. It's important to understand why counterfeit cables can be hazardous and the easiest ways to identify them.

If you use an uncertified or counterfeit USB-C cable or accessory, you could experience these issues:

• Your device could become damaged
• The cable might be easily damaged
• The connector end may break off, weaken, or might not fit properly into your device, which could damage the port
• You might not be able to sync or charge your USB device properly

To identify counterfeit or uncertified cables and accessories, look carefully at the accessory's packaging and at the accessory itself. Look for certification icons and consistency of design.

WHY BELKIN USB-C CABLES?

THE BELKIN DIFFERENCE

Over the past 30 years, Belkin has become the #1 global leader in cables and connectivity. We've earned this reputation through rigorous design and engineering, maintaining the highest quality standards in our manufacturing processes and always working to achieve and maintain high customer satisfaction. Every product we make is thoughtfully designed to be easy to use, comfortable to hold and pleasing to the eye. All Belkin USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+ cables are designed with meticulous attention to design detail and the highest standards in quality and product testing.

As a member of USB-IF, Belkin knows what it takes to be a leader at the cutting edge of technology, and our USB-C cables (also known as USB Type-C cables) are no exception. By performing rigorous compliance testing throughout the design and manufacturing process, Belkin stays at the forefront of quality control and manufacturing for all USB cables. Some brands allow their logos to be placed on cables they don't manufacture themselves. However, at Belkin, our teams are involved at every step from concept inception through to design development and manufacturing.