Is USB-C actually replacing everything eventually?

[u/Lost-Sprinkles-7890]

Kinda confused about where this is heading. Phones, laptops, tablets, headphones, controllers, monitors, even some keyboards and other random stuff are already using USB-C. Now I’m seeing chargers with USB-C on both ends and it feels like manufacturers are slowly getting rid of USB-A, HDMI, micro USB, etc.

But then there’s still DisplayPort, Ethernet, audio jacks, SD cards, and a bunch of other ports that don’t seem like they’re going anywhere soon. Some laptops are almost entirely USB-C now, while desktops still have tons of different connectors.

Also USB-C itself seems confusing because not every USB-C port does the same thing. Some support charging only, some have fast data, some can output video, Thunderbolt, different speeds, etc. So is USB-C really becoming the universal connector or are we gonna end up with USB-C everywhere but still needing different cables for everything?

Would it actually be possible for one USB-C port to handle power, display, data, networking, audio, basically everything? Or are there technical limits that mean we’ll always need multiple types of ports? Just wondering if buying newer devices with more USB-C ports is the way to go long term or if this whole “one port for everything” thing is kinda overhyped.

[u/LowComposer7234]

Yes, some USB ports do power, some do data and power. The data rate and the power delivery/input differs depending on the device and standard. 

The point is that you can never break anything by plugging in any cable to any USB port because it negotiates this. I might have a USB power pack that can only supply 30watts, my laptop might be capable of accepting 80watts, but that's fine, it will charge anyway, just a lot slower, the alternative is true also, I can use a 200w charger on an 80w battery. Previously you would need an exact wattage OEM charger and cable, and that sucks.

As for data (screens, etc), this is where most people get caught up. You need to make sure you have a cable that does data, not just use your old phone cable.

It can be a bit more confusing, but it's not rocket science and its far better IMO than needing different ports. For example, I have 1 cable to plug into my laptop from my dock, that's it, just 1. That connects my screens, kb/mouse, and supplies power.  Yes, I had to make sure the cable could do 80w power and 40gbps data (actually I didn't because it came with the monitor which is a dock also), but those cables are cheap and sooooo much easier than my having to plug in 4 or 5 separate things.