Free Mac App Identifies USB-C Cable Capabilities
A new free Mac application, WhatCable, allows users to determine the actual capabilities of their USB-C cables by reading data already collected by Apple Silicon chips. The app reveals cable speed, power delivery, and compatibility.
A new free application for macOS, named WhatCable, provides users with a tool to identify the true capabilities of their USB-C cables. The app operates by accessing data that Apple Silicon chips already collect about attached USB devices, information typically not made directly available to users.
WhatCable installs as a widget in the Mac's menu bar. Users can click this widget to view details about every USB-C cable and device they connect. This data helps clarify whether a cable supports fast data transfer, high power delivery, or if it is a slower or weaker option for specific uses.
The application offers a more accessible and potentially less expensive alternative to dedicated hardware cable testers that were previously available. By leveraging the Mac's existing data streams, WhatCable presents an easy-to-use and effective utility for Mac users seeking to understand the performance characteristics of their USB-C accessories.