Everyone who has ever used a USB drive or cable has at one point put it in upside-down. Apple is putting an end to that problem for good with their reversible USB-C connector. Apple was granted a second major reversible USB patent by the U.S. Patent Office this week, showing again how they are leading the way when it comes to USB connectors. In theory, users have a 50% chance of putting a USB in the correct way. However, in reality, 90% of the time the user attaches the USB incorrectly. Gone are the days of getting frustrated over this, thanks to Apple.

Apple’s patent application states that the USB-C’s plug connector is a reversible connector that includes opposing first and second sides. The first pair of differential data contacts is on the first side of the plug connector and the second pair of differential data contacts is on the second side of the plug connector directly opposite the first pair of differential data contacts. Apple’s new MacBook will use the USB Type-C ports to charge. This could very well mean the end of laptop charging cables that use the standard USB connection. They also state in their patent application that the USB-C is compatible with the plurality of data types including HDMI data, audio data, USB data, or video data. The new patent cover their invention relating to input and output electrical connectors, including audio and data connectors, and especially slim or low profile connectors that can be substituted for the current ones. Apple credits Eric Jol, Albert Golko, Mathias Schmidt and Jahan Minoo as the inventors of granted Patent 8,984,188 which was originally filed in Q3 2013 and published March 19, 2015 by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

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