● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsLow impact
WhatCable App for Mac Helps Identify USB-C Cable Capabilities
Key points
- WhatCable is a free app for Apple Silicon Macs.
- The app identifies USB-C cable capabilities and performance.
- Uses macOS data to reveal speed, power, and video specs.
- Addresses confusion due to varied USB-C cable specs.
Introduction to WhatCable
WhatCable is a new, free app available for Apple Silicon Macs. It provides users with detailed insights into the capabilities and performance of their USB-C cables. This tool reads data that macOS already collects, showing information Apple does not usually share with users.
How WhatCable Works
The app functions by accessing data from the Mac's port controller chip, which manages USB Power Delivery negotiation. When a cable is plugged in, the chip exchanges structured messages with the cable, revealing its vendor ID, speed rating, current rating, and more.
WhatCable measures these capabilities either in real-time during use or through looping the cable across different USB-C ports.
Addressing USB-C Cable Confusion
USB-C cables present a challenge because they appear identical yet can vary widely in capability. Some deliver high data transfer speeds, substantial video bandwidth, and significant power, while others may offer limited functionality.
WhatCable helps users manage this complexity by allowing them to easily identify which cables meet their needs, potentially eliminating the need for multiple physical testers.
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Primary sources
GitHub darrylmorley/whatcableHow outlets covered it
WhatCable, a new free Mac app, helps users identify the capabilities of their USB-C cables by measuring performance in real-time or through looping. This app addresses the confusion surrounding the varying specifications of USB-C cables and offers insights on data transfer speeds, video bandwidth, and power delivery.
WhatCable is a free app for Apple Silicon Macs that analyzes USB-C cables by utilizing existing data from macOS. It reveals detailed information such as cable capabilities and actual performance metrics, helping users identify faulty cables and optimize connections.