Remember CD players? How about the 8-track? Or how about when your cassette player ate your favorite tape?

They were once the epitome of technology, and now your kids look at you like you’re crazy if you bring it up because infotainment systems now reign supreme. That’s the problem with technology. It’s always changing. When you think you have it figured out, there’s a new update. Then the update is obsolete because brand new tech is hitting the market.

For new car owners who got in and found a new USB port, this has hit home. We’ve grown used to the difference between Android and Apple ports, but now there’s a new port on the scene. It’s called the USB-C port, and Cars.com has all the details. 

Why mess with a good thing?

Just when you’ve finally accepted that Android devices have that strange trapezoid shape, and Apple products have a simple design. Still, they both have a rectangular USB-A port, and automakers decide to throw a new design at us. Well, it’s not the automakers’ fault. They’re just trying to keep up with the changing trends. 

And the current changing trends revolve around improved charging abilities. Whether it’s wireless charging or a superior port that charges faster, the tech giants are on top of it. It makes you wonder when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will become obsolete. Given the current problems both systems face, it might just be a matter of time. 

The question now is, did they have to change it? And is there that big of a difference, or is it merely a cosmetic update?

There is one significant change that is a benefit over the USB-A. You no longer have to figure which side of the USB port goes up. It doesn’t matter with the USB-C port, as it will fit in any way you decide to plug it in.

If you thought that it offered superior charging, it doesn’t. This will probably frustrate some owners who have an older phone that isn’t likely to get an updated cord in its future. If that’s the case, then the USB-C cord is a huge deal for you. Will you be forced to update, or is there hope?

Is there a workaround for this?

As it turns out, there are options to keep your older device. The tech agencies who dreamed up the USB-C port, and then decided that the USB-A will be phased out, know that consumers would rebel if their current tech is suddenly worthless. That’s why they’re offering a few adapter choices, so you don’t have to buy all new ones.

The adapters available allow you to use your old cord to connect to your phone. The adapter then plugs into the USB-A port, and you connect the USB-C port into the charging device. If it sounds simple, that’s because it is.

Not all adapters are created equal, however, and while longer cords are considered to be superior. In this case, you’ll want to get a shorter cord and one preferably that is high quality. The charging times might be slower than you like, but you’ll at least have the ability to charge your devices while in your vehicle.

You can’t stop progress

Like it or not, the USB-C will be in all new vehicles by 2025. Which is sort of funny, because if you look back through history, there is probably going to be something new coming down the pipes by 2025. Still, it seems like we’re stuck with the USB-C port for the time being. Tesla is already embracing it and has it installed on the Model 3.

Still, is this a bad thing? Is it possible that there is some silver lining to the USB-C? As we already mentioned, there isn’t a big difference between the USB-A and the USB-C. Most new phones come equipped with the USB-C, however, so as you’re forced to update your phone due to it kicking the dust, you can ditch the adapter and enjoy merely plugging in your device.