The USB Type-C connector has gained popularity in recent years, but older Type-A connectors and ports continue to be widely used. Type-A connectors and ports feature a metal casing akin to USB-C; however, they also have a plastic insert.
This plastic insert is not just a design feature — it serves three vital purposes: it supports the metal contacts, assists in determining the correct orientation of the connector, and displays a color to signal its specific functions. Consequently, you might have encountered USB cables with inserts in different colors, including black, blue, red, white, and yellow. There is also a white variant that may still occasionally be found, though not often. If you come across it on an airplane or within an older charging brick, here’s what it signifies.
