USB 3.2 is coming, so what does it bring to devices, cables?

We’ve already seen USB 3.1 launching in recent years, but the tech world moves pretty fast. Now, the people behind the standard have announced USB 3.2, being an incremental but important update anyway.

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group noted in a press statement that USB Type-C cables are made with “multi-lane operation” in mind, with 3.2 upping the ante.

“For example, a USB 3.2 host connected to a USB 3.2 storage device will now be capable of realising over 2 GB/sec data transfer performance over an existing USB Type-C cable that is certified for SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps.”

The group implies that existing Type-C cables should see performance benefits, but you’ll still want compatible hosts and devices.

“For users to obtain the full benefit of this performance increase, a new USB 3.2 host must be used with a new USB 3.2 device and the appropriate certified USB Type-C cable.”

In other words, you’ll need a new phone/computer/general gadget instead of an existing one to take advantage of USB 3.2.

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group includes Apple, Microsoft, HP, Intel and Texas Instruments.