Universal Mangled Bus Gen 2x2x2
Apr 27, 2025
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) introduced the USB 2.0 standard on April 27, 2000, meaning this port speed is turning 25 years old today.
Just how cheap can Apple be?
Even the latest iPhone 16e, which is Apple’s latest budget model, is limited to USB 2.0 speeds.
Damn. Anyway, the naming schemes have been utterly baffling:
1998:
The first USB: USB 1.1 (12Mbps)
Shaky start, but it's okay.2000:
The second USB: USB 2.0 (480Mbps)
Excellent second attempt. Definitely a step up in speed, and needs a new generation.2008:
The third USB: USB 3.0 (5Gbps)
Fantastic third attempt! A huge leap forwards2013:
The fourth USB: USB 3.1 (10Gbps)
That's fine. It's a doubling in speed, but its the same architecture... so fine.Some time later: the USB naming committee has a collective stroke and renames:
USB 3.0 to USB 3.1 Gen 1. (which it isn't)
and USB 3.1 to USB 3.1 Gen 2USB 3.1 should be USB 3.0 Gen 2, if anything. You can't name something USB X.1 Gen 1, if USB X.1 was not the precursor to USB X.1 Gen 1.
2017:
The fifth USB: USB 3.2 (20Gbps)
Okay... That is also a doubling in speed, but never mind. Fine.Some time later (again): the USB naming committee's brain gets lost down the back of the sofa and renames:
USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) to USB 3.2 Gen 1. (which it absolutely the fuck is not)
USB 3.1 (USB 3.1 Gen 2) to USB 3.2 Gen 2. (which it fucking isn't)
And USB 3.2 to USB 3.2 Gen 2x2... WHAT?!?
Oh, it just keeps going. The only "logical" reason for all this is that they must have made more money from all the confusing extra numbers and marketing.
The cherry on top? USB cables are not equal. Some can't do super charging; some can't do data transfer; most are unlabeled! Good luck matching the ridiculous USB version numbers with the correct cable.