The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a globally adopted communication and power standard that connects countless digital devices—from computers and phones to cameras, storage drives, and peripherals. Introduced in the mid-1990s to simplify connectivity, USB replaced dozens of incompatible ports with a single, unified interface. Over time, USB technology has evolved into multiple generations, each delivering faster data transfer, improved power delivery, and greater versatility. From USB 1.0 up to USB4, speeds have increased from 12 Mbps to over 40 Gbps, supporting high-resolution displays, fast storage, and advanced peripherals.
USB connectors have also diversified, with USB-A, USB-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB, and the modern reversible USB-C, which is now the industry standard due to its compact design and enhanced power capabilities. USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) further expands its functionality by enabling up to 240W of power—enough to charge laptops, monitors, and even some high-power tools.
Today, USB remains central to modern computing because of its reliability, ease of use, hot-swappability, and universal compatibility. It supports nearly all consumer electronics and continues advancing to meet the demands of high-speed communication and efficient energy transfer. USB remains essential in creating seamless, user-friendly digital ecosystems.