[tadfisher]

If that USB-C cable only supported 5W, then it does not meet the spec and must not carry USB-IF branding. At a minimum, USB-C cables must support 20V/3A and optionally support 20V/5A.

I get you on the rest of the issues, because the simplified USB-IF branding (Hi-Speed, SuperSpeed, SuperSpeed+, etc) crucially isn't printed on the cable itself. Moreover, the constant renumbering of the standard means manufacturers often forgo the consumer-facing branding and market devices/cables with the latest standard, which means nothing regarding what capabilities a device/cable supports.

USB-IF needs to be better at enforcement, for sure. In the meantime, I just just Thunderbolt cables for everything that needs advanced capabilities and pack-ins for everything else.

[scarface74]

How do you explain to the average consumer that even though all of these cords have USB C ends;

- the white cord that came with my old MacBook Pro 13 inch

- the little cable that came with my Beats Flex

- the cable that came with my Anker battery.

- any random overpriced USB C cable that you pick up from the convenience store or the bodega.

Are really USB C cables and that none of them support data?