USB Type-C Connection Ready For Production

The USB Promoter Group has announced the USB type-C connector is now ready for production.

• Completely new design but with backwards compatibility
• Similar to the size of USB 2.0 Micro-B (standard Smartphone charging cable)
• Slim enough for mobile devices, but robust enough for laptops and tablets
• Reversible plug orientation for ease of connection
• Scalable power charging with connectors being able to supply up to 5 A and cables supporting 3 A for p to 100 watts of power
• Designed for future USB performance requirements
• Certified for USB 3.1 data rates (10 Gbps)
• Receptacle opening: ~8.4 mm x ~2.6 mm
• Durability of 10,000 connect-disconnect cycles
• Improved EMI and RFI mitigation features

Credit Anandtech

USB 3.0 Promoter Group Announces USB Type-C Connector Ready for Production

Beaverton, OR – August 12, 2014 – The USB 3.0 Promoter Group today announced the completion of the USB Type-C specification that defines the next generation USB connector. The USB Type-C specification establishes a new cable and connector scheme tailored to fit mobile device product designs, yet robust enough for laptops and tablets. With this release, the specification has been transferred to the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) for ongoing management and the establishment of a compliance and certification program. The specification is available for download from the USB-IF website www.usb.org.

Credit usb.org

For more information, the full press release can found here - Link

I'd be curious to see what it looks like next to a Lightning port. They look similar in size.

I think you missed this part:

• Similar to the size of USB 2.0 Micro-B (standard Smartphone charging cable)
• Receptacle opening: ~8.4 mm x ~2.6 mm

@NVIDIATI: I did miss that part! Very interesting. Is USB3 also magnetic like Lightning, or is there still a need for it to have a more integrated connection (like we see with most all other connectors)?

@musicalmac As far as I know the design is still conventional, but with the enhancements highlighted in the OP.

This is likely the design that will become a standard in the EU. Meaning, we should see every major manufacturer adopt the type-C connector for their future mobile phones and tablets.

Once some more details are made available I'll update this thread.

There should be a connector that's alcohol proof, I can never seem to get my phone charging as it's too small and fiddly then I put it in the wrong way, or I thought it was the wrong way the first time but it is now and still can't get it plugged in, and now I've fallen asleep and my phone is stone dead.

I do like the reversible plugs though.

Thought this was interesting, given the discussion here.