5 things to know about the MacBook’s USB-C port – CNET

The new Macs announced today have USB-C ports for Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. But USB-C has a few other tricks up its sleeve.

Screenshot by Patrick Holland/CNET

Today, Apple announced a new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro. Like last year’s 12-inch MacBook, the new svelte pro laptops have fully adopted the USB-C port.

Apple uses it for Thunderbolt 3, but USB-C is the Swiss Army knife of ports. It’s capable of a bunch of other functions.

Here’s what you need to know about USB-C as it starts invading your Macs.

It’s backwards compatible

For years, Macs have had USB ports. We plugged our mouses, our printers and other peripherals into them. That type of USB is called USB-A.

USB-C is backwards compatible and will support devices that use USB-A. So that’s a plus. The downside is that you’ll need an adapter to do so. That’s because USB-C is a much smaller port than USB-A.

All the ports are both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C

Think of USB-C kind of like a duplex. It has a USB-side and a Thunderbolt 3-side. Thunderbolt 3 allows you to connect your Mac to dual 4K displays at the same time. It also allows for the fast transfer of data between computers and hard drives. One of the neat features of Thunderbolt 3 is the ability to daisy chain external devices and displays using one port. The new Macs have all these Thunderbolt 3 features packaged within the USB-C port.

USB-C means no more second guessing if the USC cable is right-side up when you plug it in.

Screenshot by Patrick Holland/CNET

No need to worry about plugging it in upside-down

How many times have you gone to plug in a USB cable and forgotten which side is up? Well, you won’t have to do the USB flip dance any more. USB-C is reversible and there is no right side up!

It’s super fast

If you don’t have Thunderbolt 3 devices, that’s okay. USB-C has transfer speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second. This means if you’re using a USB-C equipped external hard rive, that your files will transfer faster. This is especially nice for all those photos and videos you’re taking with your new iPhone 7 Plus.

It can do a lot

USB-C can connect to monitors, charge your Mac, charge your phone from your Mac, transfer data — all in one physical port.

While USB-C is undoubtedly the future path for connectivity, there lies an awkward transition ahead. This transition involves adapters and dongles to connect older devices that don’t have a USB-C port built-in. Though eventually over time, the convenience, power and versatility of USB-C will be widespread and everyone will be happy.

• See all of today’s Apple news here