{"id":360948,"date":"2024-11-22T13:44:26","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T13:44:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?p=360948"},"modified":"2024-11-22T13:44:26","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T13:44:26","slug":"is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable","title":{"rendered":"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The end is in sight for the trusty, 30-year-old USB-A cable.<\/p>\n<p>A quick look inside a drawer in most homes will reveal a tangled mess of USB-A cables that were once the digital lifeblood of all things tech.<\/p>\n<p>From cars to coaches to even flying at 38,000 feet, a USB-A charging cable in your pocket meant that a top-up was never far away.<\/p>\n<p>However, governments around the world are now mandating the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/25899\/usb-connector\">USB-C<\/a> and banning USB-A on tech products, and the removal of USB-A from the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/news\/apple-mac-mini-m4-price-release-date\">Mac Mini<\/a> is another final nail in the coffin of the formerly ubiquitous connection.<\/p>\n<p>Join us one last time in paying tribute to the cable that, until now, we couldn&#8217;t live without.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>USB-C is phasing out USB-A, marking the end of its 30-year reign in tech.<\/li>\n<li>Countries around the world are mandating USB-C adoption, with the U.S., EU, Saudi Arabia, and India leading the charge.<\/li>\n<li>USB-C offers faster data transfer, higher wattage, and reversible plugs.<\/li>\n<li>The transition will cause short-term e-waste problems but ideally promises long-term improvements and standardization.<\/li>\n<li>USB-A will linger in legacy devices but is losing relevance to USB-C&#8217;s versatility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n    <section class=\"toc-sticky w-100 bg-white \">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\"\n                 aria-controls=\"multiCollapse1\"\n                 data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse1\">\n                <button\n                        class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                >\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-main-title-permanent\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n                    class=\"collapse my-3\"\n                    id=\"multiCollapse1\"\n            >\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item current\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"how_usb-a_changed_the_world\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_usb-a_changed_the_world\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">How USB-A Changed the World<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"eu_deadline_approaches_as_usb-c_standardization_awaits\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"eu_deadline_approaches_as_usb-c_standardization_awaits\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">EU Deadline Approaches as USB-C Standardization Awaits<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"usb-a_vs_usb-c_specifications_table\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"usb-a_vs_usb-c_specifications_table\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">USB-A vs USB-C: Specifications Table<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"will_the_usb-c_mandate_reduce_e-waste\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"will_the_usb-c_mandate_reduce_e-waste\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Will the USB-C Mandate Reduce E-Waste?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"usb-as_last_moments_in_the_spotlight\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"usb-as_last_moments_in_the_spotlight\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">USB-A's Last Moments in the Spotlight<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"references\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"references\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">References<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__btn-top justify-content-center\">\n                    <button class=\"btn btn-link d-flex align-items-center\" onclick={btnTop()}><p>Show Full Guide<\/p><img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/table-of-contents\/assets\/images\/arrow-up-circle.svg\"\n                                alt=\"arrow-up-circle\">\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"toc-sticky-list\">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-controls=\"multiCollapse2\" data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse2\">\n                <button class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\">\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div  class=\"collapse my-3\" id=\"multiCollapse2\">\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item current \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"how_usb-a_changed_the_world\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_usb-a_changed_the_world\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">How USB-A Changed the World<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"eu_deadline_approaches_as_usb-c_standardization_awaits\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"eu_deadline_approaches_as_usb-c_standardization_awaits\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">EU Deadline Approaches as USB-C Standardization Awaits<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"show_moretoc\">Show Full Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"usb-a_vs_usb-c_specifications_table\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"usb-a_vs_usb-c_specifications_table\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">USB-A vs USB-C: Specifications Table<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"will_the_usb-c_mandate_reduce_e-waste\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"will_the_usb-c_mandate_reduce_e-waste\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Will the USB-C Mandate Reduce E-Waste?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"usb-as_last_moments_in_the_spotlight\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"usb-as_last_moments_in_the_spotlight\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">USB-A's Last Moments in the Spotlight<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"references\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"references\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">References<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script id=\"toc-js\">\n    window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", () => {\n        const header = document.querySelector(\".header_wrapper\");\n\n        const pageLegend = document.querySelector('#multiCollapse1');\n        const pageLegendList = document.querySelector('#multiCollapse2');\n        const pageLegendCollapse = new bootstrap.Collapse(pageLegend, {toggle: document.querySelector(\".toc-sticky\").classList.contains('sticky')});\n\n        \/**\n         * Changing current title\n         *\/\n        (function (pageLegend) {\n            const titleNodes = pageLegend.querySelectorAll('.StepProgress-item__link');\n\n            if (!titleNodes.length) return;\n\n            const titles = [...titleNodes].map((itm, i) => ({\n                id: itm.getAttribute('data-id'),\n                text: itm.textContent,\n                level: itm.getAttribute('data-level'),\n                linkNode: itm,\n                titleNode: document.getElementById(itm.getAttribute('data-id')),\n                index: i,\n            }));\n\n            \/**\n             * Source: https:\/\/www.sitepoint.com\/throttle-scroll-events\/\n             * @param {Function} fn\n             * @param {number} wait\n             * @returns {(function(): void)|*}\n             *\/\n            const throttle = (fn, wait) => {\n                let time = Date.now();\n                return function () {\n                    if ((time + wait - Date.now()) < 0) {\n                        fn();\n                        time = Date.now();\n                    }\n                }\n            }\n\n            const changeCurrentTitle = () => {\n                const documentScrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.body.scrollTop || 0;\n                let current = 0;\n\n                \/\/ Title\n                titles.forEach((itm, i) => {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/console.log(itm)\n                    const itmOffsetTop = itm.titleNode ? itm.titleNode.offsetTop - 100 : 0;\n\n                    if (documentScrollTop >= itmOffsetTop) {\n                        document.getElementById('toc-current-title').innerHTML = itm.text;\n                        document.getElementById('toc-current-title').setAttribute('data-current-id', itm.id);\n                        document.getElementById('toc-current-title').setAttribute('data-current-level', itm.level);\n                        current = i;\n                    }\n                })\n\n                \/\/ close all list and open sub list if needed\n                if (document.querySelector(\".toc-sticky\").classList.contains('sticky')) {\n                    document.querySelectorAll('.subList-in-progress').forEach((el) => {\n                        el.children[1].classList.remove('show');\n                        el.getElementsByClassName('icon-chevron-down')[0].classList.remove('up');\n                    });\n                    const currentEl = titles[current];\n                    currentEl.linkNode.classList.add('show');\n                }\n\n                titles.forEach((itm, i) => {\n                    itm.linkNode.parentNode.parentNode.classList.remove('current', 'is-done');\n                    if (current > i) {\n                        itm.linkNode.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add('is-done')\n                    };\n                    if (current === i) {\n                      itm.linkNode.parentNode.parentNode.classList.add('current');\n                    };\n                })\n\n            }\n\n            changeCurrentTitle();\n\n            document.addEventListener('scroll', throttle(changeCurrentTitle, 50));\n        })(pageLegend);\n\n\n        \/**\n         *  Collapse\n         *\/\n        (function (pageLegend, header) {\n            const icon = pageLegend.parentNode.querySelector(\".collapse-action-btn i\");\n\n            const collapseToggle = (status) => (e) => {\n                if (!e.target.isEqualNode(pageLegend)) return;\n\n                icon.classList.toggle(\"up\");\n\n                const containerHeight = pageLegend.getBoundingClientRect().height;\n\n                const showSubtitleContent = () => {\n                    const currentId = document.getElementById('toc-current-title').getAttribute('data-current-id');\n                    const currentLevel = document.getElementById('toc-current-title').getAttribute('data-current-level');\n                    const currentSubTitle = currentLevel == 3 ? document.querySelector(`a[data-id=\"${currentId}\"]`).parentNode.parentNode.parentNode : false;\n\n                    if (!currentSubTitle) return;\n                    new bootstrap.Collapse(currentSubTitle, {toggle: false}).show();\n                }\n\n                showSubtitleContent();\n                if (status === 'shown' && document.querySelector(\".toc-sticky\").classList.contains('sticky') ) {\n                    document.querySelector('html').classList.remove('overflow-hidden');\n                    pageLegend.classList.add('overflow-auto');\n                    pageLegend.style.height = `calc(100vh - ${header.getBoundingClientRect().height + document.querySelector('.toc-sticky__open').getBoundingClientRect().height + 16}px)`;\n                } else if (status === 'hide') {\n                    document.querySelector('html').classList.remove('overflow-hidden');\n                    pageLegend.classList.remove('overflow-auto');\n                    pageLegend.style.height = 'auto';\n                }\n            }\n\n            pageLegend.addEventListener('shown.bs.collapse', collapseToggle('shown'));\n            pageLegend.addEventListener('hide.bs.collapse', collapseToggle('hide'));\n        })(pageLegend, header);\n\n        \/**\n         * Collapse sub-titles\n         *\/\n        (function (pageLegend) {\n            const collapseEls = pageLegend.querySelectorAll('.collapse');\n\n            collapseEls.forEach(function (el) {\n\n                const toggleArrowDirection = function (e) {\n                    if (!e.target.isEqualNode(el)) return;\n\n                    const id = this.getAttribute('id');\n                    document.querySelector(`.collapse-action-btn[data-bs-target=\"#${id}\"] .icon-chevron-down`).classList.toggle('up');\n                }\n                el.addEventListener('shown.bs.collapse', toggleArrowDirection);\n                el.addEventListener('hide.bs.collapse', toggleArrowDirection);\n            })\n        })(pageLegend);\n\n        \/**\n         *  Collapse main title\n         *\/\n        (function (pageLegendList) {\n            const icon = pageLegendList.parentNode.querySelector(\".collapse-action-btn i\");\n\n            const collapseToggle = () => (e) => {\n                if (!e.target.isEqualNode(pageLegendList)) return;\n\n                icon.classList.toggle(\"up\");\n\n            }\n            pageLegendList.addEventListener('shown.bs.collapse', collapseToggle());\n            pageLegendList.addEventListener('hide.bs.collapse', collapseToggle());\n        })(pageLegendList);\n\n        (function (pageLegendList) {\n            const collapseEls = pageLegendList.querySelectorAll('.collapse');\n\n            collapseEls.forEach(function (el) {\n\n                const toggleArrowDirection = function (e) {\n                    if (!e.target.isEqualNode(el)) return;\n\n                    const id = this.getAttribute('id');\n                    document.querySelector(`.toc-sticky-list .collapse-action-btn[data-bs-target=\"#${id}\"] .icon-chevron-down`).classList.toggle('up');\n                }\n                el.addEventListener('shown.bs.collapse', toggleArrowDirection);\n                el.addEventListener('hide.bs.collapse', toggleArrowDirection);\n            })\n        })(pageLegendList);\n\n        \/**\n         * Sticky functionality\n         * Source: https:\/\/stackoverflow.com\/questions\/17893771\/javascript-sticky-div-after-scroll\n         *\/\n        (function (header, pageLegendCollapse) {\n            \/\/ set everything outside the onscroll event (less work per scroll)\n            const target = document.querySelector(\".toc-sticky\");\n            const targetListStatic = document.querySelector(\".toc-sticky-list\");\n\n            if (!target || !header) return;\n\n            const headerHeight = header.getBoundingClientRect().height;\n            const targetHeight = targetListStatic.getBoundingClientRect().height;\n\n            \/\/ -headerHeight so it won't be jumpy\n            const stop = targetListStatic.offsetTop + headerHeight + targetHeight;\n            const docBody =\n                document.documentElement || document.body.parentNode || document.body;\n            const hasOffset = window.pageYOffset !== undefined;\n\n            const applySticky = function () {\n                \/\/ cross-browser compatible scrollTop.\n                const scrollTop = hasOffset ? window.pageYOffset : docBody.scrollTop;\n\n                \/\/ if user scrolls to headerHeight from the top of the target div\n                if (scrollTop >= stop) {\n                    pageLegendCollapse.hide();\n                    \/\/ stick the div\n                    target.classList.add(\"sticky\");\n                    \/\/target.style.marginTop = `${headerHeight}px`;\n                } else {\n                    pageLegendCollapse.show();\n                    \/\/ release the div\n                    target.classList.remove(\"sticky\");\n                    target.style.marginTop = \"\";\n                }\n            }\n\n            applySticky();\n\n            window.addEventListener('scroll', applySticky);\n        })(header, pageLegendCollapse);\n\tjQuery('span.show_moretoc').click(function(){\n\t\tjQuery('span.show_moretoc').hide();\n\t   jQuery('.ms_hidetoc').show();\n\t});\n    });\n\n    \/\/ When the user clicks on the button, scroll to the top of the document\n    function btnTop() {\n        const pageLegend = document.querySelector('#multiCollapse1');\n        document.querySelector('html').classList.remove('overflow-hidden');\n        pageLegend.classList.remove('overflow-auto');\n        pageLegend.style.height = 'auto';\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: 0,\n            behavior: 'smooth'\n        });\n    }\n\n    const handleScrollToTitle = (id) => {\n        const el = document.getElementById(id);\n        const headerHeightDifference = window.innerWidth < 992 ? -30 : -15;\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: el.offsetTop - 60 - headerHeightDifference - 10,\n        });\n    }\n<\/script>\n\n<h2><span id=\"how_usb-a_changed_the_world\">How USB-A Changed the World<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2320\/universal-serial-bus-usb\">USB-A<\/a>&#8216;s four-pin flat, rectangular design is best known for its durability and ease of use. It&#8217;s also more straightforward and arguably more reliable than USB-C&#8217;s 20-pin configuration (although we wish the original engineers had had the foresight to let us insert the cable in any direction).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Universal-Serial-Bus-USB-Explained-Connecting-Devices-Made-Simple.png\" alt=\"Universal Serial Bus (USB) Explained: Connecting Devices Made Simple\" width=\"1200\" height=\"807\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-360957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Universal-Serial-Bus-USB-Explained-Connecting-Devices-Made-Simple.png 1390w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Universal-Serial-Bus-USB-Explained-Connecting-Devices-Made-Simple-300x202.png 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Universal-Serial-Bus-USB-Explained-Connecting-Devices-Made-Simple-1024x689.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Universal-Serial-Bus-USB-Explained-Connecting-Devices-Made-Simple-768x517.png 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Universal-Serial-Bus-USB-Explained-Connecting-Devices-Made-Simple-1200x807.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>USB-A connectors are ubiquitous and can be found in hotel rooms and countless devices and peripherals.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s been quite a ride since USB 1.0 first entered our lives in 1996, with version 2.0 arriving in 2000. Even USB 3.0 can be traced back to 2008.<\/p>\n<p>USB-A has been a big part of our lives for over 30 years, but now it looks to be reaching the end of the line.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"eu_deadline_approaches_as_usb-c_standardization_awaits\">EU Deadline Approaches as USB-C Standardization Awaits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This might go down in history as the final year in which our new shiny devices come with a USB-A connection.<\/p>\n<p>By the end of 2024, the European Union is mandating that USB-C be the standard charging for smartphones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld video game consoles. Laptops must also adopt USB-C, but they have until spring 2026 to transition.<\/p>\n<p>As <strong>Jozef S\u00edkela, the EU Minister for Industry and Trade<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consilium.europa.eu\/en\/press\/press-releases\/2022\/10\/24\/common-charger-eu-ministers-give-final-approval-to-one-size-fits-all-charging-port\/\" target=\"_blank\">said<\/a>:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;We all have at least three mobile phone chargers at home. Looking for the right charger can be quite annoying. These chargers amount to 11,000 tonnes of e-waste every year.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Having a charger that fits multiple devices will save money and time and also helps us reduce e-waste.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The EU mandate has inspired other countries and regions to follow suit. India aims to make USB-C the standard charging port for electronic devices by <a href=\"https:\/\/in.mashable.com\/tech\/77665\/india-follows-eu-usb-c-charging-port-mandated-for-mobiles-by-june-2025\" target=\"_blank\">June 2025<\/a>, with possible exceptions for wearables and hearing devices.<\/p>\n<p>Saudi Arabian authorities also recently announced that the first mandatory phase of its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saudigazette.com.sa\/article\/634754\" target=\"_blank\">USB Type-C Mandate<\/a> will come into effect on January 1, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>The Kingdom believes that including the quality of tech products with improved high-quality charging and data transfer will dramatically enhance the user experience.<\/p>\n<p>The same theme can be found everywhere from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.taipeitimes.com\/News\/taiwan\/archives\/2023\/12\/18\/2003810799\" target=\"_blank\">Taipai <\/a>to <a href=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/CA\/text\/AB1659\/id\/2779646#:~:text=A%20manufacturer%20shall%20not%20sell,and%20operational%20at%20all%20times.\" target=\"_blank\">California<\/a>, with the U.S. attempting to ensure that every electronic device manufactured on or after January 1, 2026, will only have a USB-C connection.<\/p>\n<p>The global transition to USB-C is expected to reduce consumer costs while promoting environmental sustainability by reducing electronic waste. However, there is an argument that, in the short term, it could add to the problem.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"usb-a_vs_usb-c_specifications_table\">USB-A vs USB-C: Specifications Table<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"su-table su-table-responsive su-table-alternate\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Specification<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>USB-A<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>USB-C<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Connector Shape<\/td>\n<td>Rectangular, one-sided<\/td>\n<td>Oval, reversible (works both sides)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Data Transfer Speeds<\/td>\n<td>Up to 5 Gbps (USB 3.0\/3.1 Gen 1)<\/td>\n<td>Up to 40 Gbps (USB 4, Thunderbolt 4)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Power Delivery (Wattage)<\/td>\n<td>Up to 7.5W (USB 2.0); 15W (USB 3.0)<\/td>\n<td>Up to 240W (USB Power Delivery 3.1)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Compatibility<\/td>\n<td>Common in legacy devices<\/td>\n<td>Supports newer devices; backward compatible with USB-A (via adapter)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Video Output<\/td>\n<td>Not supported natively<\/td>\n<td>Supports video output (4K, 8K with USB-C Alt Mode)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Use Cases<\/td>\n<td>Basic peripherals (keyboards, mice, storage)<\/td>\n<td>High-performance peripherals, charging laptops, video output, external storage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"will_the_usb-c_mandate_reduce_e-waste\">Will the USB-C Mandate Reduce E-Waste?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Nations in every corner of the world uniting to ensure that big tech switches to a uniform connection during a period of global conflict is something that deserves to be celebrated.<\/p>\n<p>However, whether it will solve the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/technology-is-killing-the-planet-how-to-change-this\">e-waste problem<\/a> is debatable, especially if we are encouraged to throw away all our old gadgets, peripherals, and cables in unison when we can no longer connect them to our new devices \u2014 unless we embrace dongle life.<\/p>\n<p>At a recent tech conference, my tech swag bag contained a cool-looking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/transparent-tech-trend-and-new-see-through-devices\">transparent<\/a> USB-C MagSafe Charger, only to return to my hotel room to find a sea of USB-A ports. So, spare a thought for the people replacing USB-A sockets in the 17.5 million guestrooms and 23,000 active aircraft around the world.<\/p>\n<p>Moving to a uniform connection is undoubtedly progress that needs to be made and will make a difference in the long run. But make no mistake, in the short term, it will create waste. Even if it&#8217;s for the greater good.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"usb-as_last_moments_in_the_spotlight\">USB-A&#8217;s Last Moments in the Spotlight<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The big change-over period for any technology takes time, and you will still be grabbing a top-up charge via USB-A on your favorite airline or corporate meeting room in 2025. However, our expectations have dramatically evolved, and the fact that USB-C can deliver up to 100 watts of power, compared to USB-A&#8217;s typical 7.5 watts, means it&#8217;s quickly losing its relevance.<\/p>\n<p>It was good while it lasted, but there is no hiding from the fact that USB-C is ready to pick up the baton. It has been available since 2014, so it&#8217;s no spring chicken.<\/p>\n<p>Still, faster and higher data transfer rates and the ability to charge much larger electronics, not to mention a much smoother symmetrical connection port, means it&#8217;s the best cable for our immediate future.<\/p>\n<p>But before USB-A bows out for good, forgive me for looking back with a hint of nostalgia.<\/p>\n<p>Everybody has a stash of USB flash drives in their home or workplace, just waiting to save the day. Before the days of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/storage\/best-cloud-storage\">cloud storage<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3103\/high-definition-multimedia-interface-hdmi\">HDM<\/a>I, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/27559\/airplay-ios\">AirPlay<\/a>, transferring a large video or PowerPoint presentation from one PC to the boardroom display would involve a stressed-out presenter begging, stealing, or borrowing a USB flash drive to get the job done.<\/p>\n<p>USB-A external hard drives were also a lifesaver for those who needed much more storage or a way of backing up their critical data.<\/p>\n<p>Anyone who fails to charge their rechargeable batteries will have fond memories of trying to play their console while a meter away from their PlayStation or Xbox.<\/p>\n<p>Whether expanding storage or keeping the controllers charged, the USB-A ports for consoles were the unsung heroes of many frazzled executives and saviors of epic gaming nights that lasted into the wee small hours.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There will be adapters and dongles for die-hard fans before the sun finally sets on what was once our go-to cable for everything.<\/p>\n<p>Although the process of it being phased out might take several years, the countdown to USB-A being replaced by the superior USB-C connection type is already well underway.<\/p>\n<p>The humble USB-A connection has been a massive part of our lives for over 30 years. But all good things must end.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is the difference between USB-A and USB-C?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">USB-A features a rectangular, one-sided design with slower speeds and lower power delivery. USB-C is reversible, supports faster data transfer up to 40 Gbps, and can deliver up to 240W of power.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Why is USB-C replacing USB-A?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">USB-C offers superior speed, power delivery, and versatility and is becoming the global standard due to its ability to power larger devices and connect to a broader range of peripherals.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">When will USB-A be completely phased out?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">USB-A will take several years to fully phase out, but mandates in regions like the EU (2024) and U.S. (2026) are accelerating the transition to USB-C.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">How does USB-C reduce e-waste?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">USB-C standardization allows a single cable to work across multiple devices, reducing the need for separate chargers and cables, which helps minimize e-waste. But it will make many older cables redundant at the same time.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"reference-content\">\n<div class=\"reference-heading reference-content-collapsible-heading\">\n<h2><span id=\"references\">References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"reference-content-body\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consilium.europa.eu\/en\/press\/press-releases\/2022\/10\/24\/common-charger-eu-ministers-give-final-approval-to-one-size-fits-all-charging-port\/\" target=\"_blank\">Browser check &#8211; Consilium<\/a> (Consilium.europa)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/in.mashable.com\/tech\/77665\/india-follows-eu-usb-c-charging-port-mandated-for-mobiles-by-june-2025\" target=\"_blank\">India Follows EU: USB-C Charging Port Mandated For Mobiles By June 2025 &#8211; Tech<\/a> (In.mashable)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saudigazette.com.sa\/article\/634754\" target=\"_blank\">Saudi Arabia decides to mandate USB-C as common smartphone charger by 2025 &#8211; Saudi Gazette<\/a> (Saudigazette.com)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.taipeitimes.com\/News\/taiwan\/archives\/2023\/12\/18\/2003810799\" target=\"_blank\">USB-C to be mandatory for phones, NCC plan shows &#8211; Taipei Times<\/a> (Taipeitimes)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/CA\/text\/AB1659\/id\/2779646#:~:text=A%20manufacturer%20shall%20not%20sell,and%20operational%20at%20all%20times.\" target=\"_blank\">Bill Text: CA AB1659 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Amended | LegiScan<\/a> (Legiscan)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The end is in sight for the trusty, 30-year-old USB-A cable. A quick look inside a drawer in most homes will reveal a tangled mess of USB-A cables that were once the digital lifeblood of all things tech. From cars to coaches to even flying at 38,000 feet, a USB-A charging cable in your pocket [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":286637,"featured_media":360965,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[547],"tags":[],"category_partsoff":[],"class_list":["post-360948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hardware"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time) - Techopedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Governments around the world are banning USB-A on tech products and moving us into a USB-C era. Let\u2019s salute 30 years of the USB standard.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Governments around the world are banning USB-A on tech products and moving us into a USB-C era. Let\u2019s salute 30 years of the USB standard.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Techopedia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/techopedia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-11-22T13:44:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"686\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Neil C. Hughes\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/NeilCHughes\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@techopedia\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Neil C. Hughes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Neil C. Hughes\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/person\/c5cba4c3a759c96c88b5a061d7c1b87e\"},\"headline\":\"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-22T13:44:26+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable\"},\"wordCount\":1472,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg\",\"articleSection\":\"\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#respond\"]}],\"copyrightYear\":\"2024\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable\",\"name\":\"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time) - Techopedia\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-22T13:44:26+00:00\",\"description\":\"Governments around the world are banning USB-A on tech products and moving us into a USB-C era. Let\u2019s salute 30 years of the USB standard.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":686,\"caption\":\"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Tech 101\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/topic\/248\/tech-101\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Hardware\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/hardware\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/\",\"name\":\"Techopedia\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Techopedia\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/techopedia-light-logo.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/techopedia-light-logo.svg\",\"caption\":\"Techopedia\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/techopedia\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/techopedia\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/techopedia\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/Techopedia\"],\"publishingPrinciples\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/about\/editorial-policy\",\"ownershipFundingInfo\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/about\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/person\/c5cba4c3a759c96c88b5a061d7c1b87e\",\"name\":\"Neil C. Hughes\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/avatar_user_286637_1695737175-300x300.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/avatar_user_286637_1695737175-300x300.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Neil C. Hughes\"},\"description\":\"Neil is a tech journalist who has been writing about tech trends, gaming, esports, and high-profile interviews since 2009 when he joined This Is My Joystick. Fifteen years later, he's a LinkedIn Top Voice and the Tech Talks Daily Podcast host. When not wandering the tech conference show floors of Vegas or playing video games, the Derby County fan can be found trying his luck with football accumulators.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/techblogwriter.co.uk\/\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/neilchughes\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/neilchughes\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/https:\/\/twitter.com\/NeilCHughes\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@NeilHughes\/videos\"],\"knowsAbout\":[\"Technology & iGaming Journalist\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/contributors\/neilhughes\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time) - Techopedia","description":"Governments around the world are banning USB-A on tech products and moving us into a USB-C era. Let\u2019s salute 30 years of the USB standard.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)","og_description":"Governments around the world are banning USB-A on tech products and moving us into a USB-C era. Let\u2019s salute 30 years of the USB standard.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable","og_site_name":"Techopedia","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/techopedia\/","article_published_time":"2024-11-22T13:44:26+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":686,"url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Neil C. Hughes","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/NeilCHughes","twitter_site":"@techopedia","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Neil C. Hughes","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable"},"author":{"name":"Neil C. Hughes","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/person\/c5cba4c3a759c96c88b5a061d7c1b87e"},"headline":"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)","datePublished":"2024-11-22T13:44:26+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable"},"wordCount":1472,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg","articleSection":"","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#respond"]}],"copyrightYear":"2024","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable","url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable","name":"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time) - Techopedia","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg","datePublished":"2024-11-22T13:44:26+00:00","description":"Governments around the world are banning USB-A on tech products and moving us into a USB-C era. Let\u2019s salute 30 years of the USB standard.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Is-This-the-End-of-the-USB-A-Cable-For-Real-This-Time.jpg","width":1200,"height":686,"caption":"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/is-this-the-end-of-the-usba-cable#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Tech 101","item":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/topic\/248\/tech-101"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Hardware","item":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/hardware"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Is This the End of the USB-A Cable? (For Real, This Time)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/","name":"Techopedia","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization","name":"Techopedia","url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/techopedia-light-logo.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/techopedia-light-logo.svg","caption":"Techopedia"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/techopedia\/","https:\/\/x.com\/techopedia","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/techopedia\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/Techopedia"],"publishingPrinciples":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/about\/editorial-policy","ownershipFundingInfo":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/about"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/person\/c5cba4c3a759c96c88b5a061d7c1b87e","name":"Neil C. Hughes","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/avatar_user_286637_1695737175-300x300.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/avatar_user_286637_1695737175-300x300.jpeg","caption":"Neil C. Hughes"},"description":"Neil is a tech journalist who has been writing about tech trends, gaming, esports, and high-profile interviews since 2009 when he joined This Is My Joystick. Fifteen years later, he's a LinkedIn Top Voice and the Tech Talks Daily Podcast host. When not wandering the tech conference show floors of Vegas or playing video games, the Derby County fan can be found trying his luck with football accumulators.","sameAs":["https:\/\/techblogwriter.co.uk\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/neilchughes\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/neilchughes\/","https:\/\/x.com\/https:\/\/twitter.com\/NeilCHughes","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@NeilHughes\/videos"],"knowsAbout":["Technology & iGaming Journalist"],"url":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/contributors\/neilhughes"}]}},"modified_by":"arina livanenkova","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/286637"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=360948"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360948\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":360970,"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360948\/revisions\/360970"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=360948"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=360948"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=360948"},{"taxonomy":"category_partsoff","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_partsoff?post=360948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}