What Is USB-C? The New Port In Phones, Tablets And PCs That Could Replace Lightning And Micro-USB

USB-C is an abbreviation thrown around more and more these days, but with little explanation about what it is or why it's needed. In short, if a gadget or PC comes with "USB-C," it means it has a new type of USB connector, one that device makers hope will replace the old rectangular plug.

The "C" stands for "type C" Universal Searial Bus, as opposed to the standard "type A" connector and the smaller "type B" versions found on devices from printers to mobiles. USB-C is meant as a replacement for both types A and B, and it's easy to see why that would be a good thing.