Observers predict that eventually USB-C may end up replacing Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and other older connection types.
USB-C is universal as opposed to an Apple proprietary standard, and is destined to appear on additional Apple and other devices over time. Starting in 2015, Apple introduced USB-C by outfitting the 12-inch MacBook with a lone USB-C port, following up with USB-C connectivity via Thunderbolt 3 ports for the 13- and 15-inch 2016 MacBook Pros. With the USB PD (Power Delivery) standard in a USB Type C port, a device can support up to 100 watts of power, but not all USB-C ports support USB PD. USB-C cables are bidirectional, so a device can send and receive power and transmit data simultaneously. USB-C can transmit simultaneous video signals and power streams for connecting and powering DisplayPort, MHL and HDMI devices. While the Type C connectors are not backward-compatible with USB-A and USB-B, the fast USB 3.1 standard can be used across multiple generations of connectors, allowing adapters to link with older devices.