USB-C is now a common port on devices, but its name does not hide a special meaning. The “C” identifies the connector in the USB Type-A, Type-B and Type-C naming sequence; it is not short for “connectivity,” “charging” or another word beginning with C.
The connector’s name also does not guarantee a particular speed or set of features. USB-C describes the plug’s shape, while the data speeds and power available depend on the device and cable. Not every USB-C port supports fast charging, high-speed data or display output, and USB-C is not the same thing as Thunderbolt.
Earlier USB connectors used different shapes for the host and the peripheral. Type-A typically connected to a computer or power source, while Type-B connected to devices such as printers and scanners. Later versions added mini and micro connectors, as well as color conventions that manufacturers were not required to follow.
USB Type-C was finalized in August 2014. Its compact, reversible design lets users plug it in either way, and it uses the same connector shape on both ends. The source notes that USB4 Version 2.0 can deliver speeds of up to 80Gbps over the Type-C connector, though the capabilities of any particular connection still depend on the cable and devices involved.
Despite its versatility, the design has drawbacks: a thin plastic tab inside the socket can bend or break, and plugging in the connector can still be awkward. There are currently no clear plans for a Type-D connector.
Sources: Engadget.