SEOUL, Jan 19, 2026, 20:35 (KST)
- New consumer guides highlight an expanding range of USB‑C accessories that draw both power and data directly from a phone’s port.
- EU regulations are pushing USB-C charging to become the norm for numerous devices, with laptops expected to join the mandate in 2026.
- A market report predicts robust growth in USB Type‑C demand across South Korea throughout the next ten years.
The USB‑C port on the bottom of smartphones is evolving beyond just a charging point, with new consumer guides showcasing devices that transform phones into card readers, microphones, or even portable fans. Pankil Shah of MakeUseOf noted that “most people never use their phone’s USB‑C port for anything other than charging” and may only go as far as connecting a flash drive. (MakeUseOf)
USB‑C has moved beyond being just a premium device feature. The European Commission mandates that new gadgets like phones, tablets, headphones, and portable speakers sold in the EU must include USB‑C charging. This rule will also apply to laptops starting April 28, 2026. (European Commission)
Power is another key factor. USB Power Delivery (USB‑PD)—the protocol that lets chargers and devices negotiate how much power flows through USB‑C—has broadened the types of gear you can run off one cable. In a 2021 USB‑PD 3.1 update, USB Promoter Group chairman Brad Saunders noted the upgrade lets larger devices “shift from traditional power connectors to USB Type‑C.” Meanwhile, Texas Instruments engineer Deric Waters said the revision “will help enable additional design opportunities.” (audioXpress)
Phones aren’t limited to being the device that gets charged—they can also serve as the “host” in a USB connection. USB On‑The‑Go (USB OTG) lets smartphones or tablets flip roles, connecting straight to peripherals like flash drives, mice, and keyboards, per Wikipedia. (Wikipedia)
In a Jan. 17 guide, BGR’s Jorge Luis highlighted accessories that take advantage of those features: an Anker MagGo USB‑C adapter with SD and TF card slots, offering transfer speeds up to 312 megabytes per second and attaching to the back of a phone via Apple’s MagSafe magnets; a Puremic USB‑C microphone designed for creators; a Growalleter charging cable with a fold‑out stand, supporting 240W USB‑PD; a Benfei USB‑C audio adapter that retains the 3.5mm headphone jack while enabling pass‑through charging and includes a built‑in DAC (digital‑to‑analog converter); and a compact Xnmbcre fan powered through the port. (BGR)
In a separate roundup, SlashGear highlighted the broader implications of this shift, pointing out that USB‑C isn’t just for charging familiar devices like audio and video gear. It can also power smaller tech, including travel routers and niche tools like digital microscopes. (SlashGear)
South Korea’s accessory market is benefiting from a supply-chain boost. According to a Future Market Insights report released on Jan. 16, the country’s USB Type‑C market is expected to hit $0.9 billion by 2026 and surge to $3.7 billion by 2036, growing at a 14.6% compound annual rate. USB Type‑C receptacles are projected to dominate product types. The report also highlights adoption challenges, citing “the complexity of ensuring full interoperability” across devices. Key players mentioned include STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, and Infineon. (Future Market Insights)
Regulation has proven its ability to shake up the market. After EU lawmakers passed the single-charger overhaul in October 2022, Reuters noted that shares in European chipmakers like Apple suppliers STMicro and Infineon climbed. Analysts also pointed out that the decision could impact other major device manufacturers beyond Apple, such as Samsung and Huawei. (Reuters)
The USB‑C landscape is still tangled in practice. Ports might look identical but vary widely in charging speeds and data capabilities, while cable quality often drags things down. A recent piece on DEV Community pointed out that “not all USB‑C cables are equal,” highlighting that higher power delivery hinges on USB‑PD 3.1 and proper E‑marked cables — those with a chip inside specifying the safe power they can handle — or else charging may slow or outright fail. (DEV Community)
Consumers face a straightforward trend, though the labels might confuse. With USB-C standards becoming stricter and higher-power charging becoming common, many phone users will attempt to rely on the port as a universal connector. But they’ll quickly discover that “USB-C” doesn’t guarantee a single, uniform experience.
