Next Generation USB Type-C Connector Announced, Will Be Reversible

The group of companies promoting the standard announced a new generation USB connector is in the works with a target of finalization set for mid-2014. Called USB Type-C, this new type of connector should allow manufacturers to create thinner designs, will improve usability, and will be scalable for future performance enhancements.

For users, the most visible benefit will be the ability to plug in the connector in any orientation, similarly to Apple’s Lightning connectors. In other words, we will finally put behind us the frustration of trying to insert the plug the wrong way.
According to Intel, one of the companies supporting the Type-C plug, “this new industry standards-based thin connector delivering data, power and video is the only connector one will need across all devices.”

The USB Type-C connector will be comparable in size with the current USB 2.0 micro-B plug (pictured above), which is widely used on Android devices. In addition to being compact and reversible, the plug will be able to scale in performance, as future USB standards are implemented.
However, the changes will break compatibility with older types of connectors, for which adapters and new types of cables will be needed.

The upcoming Type-C connector is an extension of the USB 3.1 standard, which supports transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s and power profiles for scalable charging, allowing devices with different power demands to charge through the same type of cable. USB 3.1 was announced in July 2013, and first products supporting it may come in late 2014.