Home / Technology / Mac App Tests USB-C Cable Power
Mac App Tests USB-C Cable Power
14 Jul
Summary
- A free Mac app called WhatCable tests USB-C cable capabilities.
- The app uses e-marker data transmitted by cables for analysis.
- It identifies charging, data, and display speed bottlenecks.
A new free application for Mac computers equipped with Apple silicon, named WhatCable, offers a solution for understanding the true capabilities of USB-C cables. This tool leverages the e-marker information already collected by Macs, presenting it in an easily digestible real-time chart. It explicitly identifies any bottlenecks in charging speed, data transfer, or display output caused by the cable being tested.
The app's effectiveness relies on the cable's e-marker chip transmitting accurate data. Cables lacking this chip, such as some cheaper USB 2.0 varieties or those rated at 3 amps or below, may not yield precise results. Additionally, MacOS only prompts cables to identify themselves when necessary, meaning WhatCable can diagnose cable issues but not faulty wall chargers.
While not infallible, WhatCable provides valuable diagnostic data, moving beyond mere guesswork about slow charging. It allows users to confirm if their wall charger is being limited by a substandard cable. A paid version, WhatCable Pro, offers expanded diagnostic features. Currently, WhatCable is exclusive to Mac, though a Linux version is reportedly planned, while a Windows port is not anticipated due to API differences.
