Last year, I received an HP Sprocket portable photo printer from my best friend as a gift, which she claimed would elevate my journaling hobby to luxurious new heights. I was excited after seeing numerous TikToks depicting its charm. But, as I unwrapped the device, enthusiasm quickly turned into frustration: another Micro USB port. Just when I thought I had banished all but one of those pesky cables!

Though USB-C technology made its debut in 2014 with promises of universal connectivity capable of rapid data transfer and power delivery, it seems that Micro USB stubbornly persists in our lives. The original HP Sprocket was launched in 2016, during a time when USB-C was still finding its footing primarily in upscale laptops and advanced Android smartphones. Fast forward to the 2018 release of the second-edition Sprocket—by then, USB-C was on the verge of becoming mainstream. And yet, here we are in 2023, still grappling with outdated connectors.

Micro USB isn’t just a relic of my photo printer—just a few weeks ago, I purchased a cat nail grinder that also uses Micro USB for charging! Social media is rife with complaints from users about a plethora of gadgets still employing this outdated technology: everything from the newest kitchen appliances to Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K models and various Roku streaming devices. Even more frustrating, some product listings are vague, often merely stating “USB” without clarifying which type, forcing you to delve deeper into the product specifications if you hope to find out it’s actually Micro USB.

The question looms large: why does this relic of a port still exist in 2023?

Experts point to a myriad of factors, including cost, inventory, and complex supply chains. Jeff Ravencraft, president and COO of the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), explains that long refresh cycles in gadget production can often mean Micro USB finds its way into devices made even years after USB-C became commonplace. Consider airplanes, which can remain in service for over 20 years, holding back an immediate transition to USB-C in inflight systems due to the expense of retrofitting.

Additionally, brand manufacturers might find themselves sitting on stocks of older products for years. For instance, HP could have loads of second-edition Sprockets allocated within retail channel warehouses. Until those are cleared out, transitions to newer standards will be slow.

Cost factors, while relevant, are no longer a huge differentiator; the price gap between Micro USB and USB-C is minimal. Interestingly, the pressure to keep costs low can lead manufacturers to stick with the older technology.

However, there’s a silver lining! The European Union has recently enforced a regulation mandating that all new devices sold in its territory must support USB-C by default—a move that could significantly reduce electronic waste. This rule applies broadly to mobile devices, tablets, and even more, while laptops won't follow suit until 2026. Companies eager to tap into the EU market are incentivized to comply, and as a result, this could benefit consumers globally. Notably, Apple has finally switched to USB-C with the iPhone 15!

Naturally, this raises questions about what devices are exempt from this mandate—like my HP Sprocket. The regulation doesn’t even touch on every electronic. As a result, many consumers are left wondering what the future holds for diverse products like drones, smartwatches, and more.

Let's daydream a bit: if HP were to introduce a third edition of the Sprocket by this time next year with just a USB-C port upgrade, what a relief that would be! However, considering the investments made in existing devices, it’s disheartening to think that I might still have to hunt for yet another Micro USB cable.

Take, for instance, my Shure MV7 microphone, which utilized a Micro USB port when it was launched in 2020 and subsequently discontinued in 2024. Desiring portability, I found that my laptop, which exclusively features USB-C ports, rendered my old cables inadequate. The idea of purchasing a new microphone for $280 suddenly became less palatable compared to finding a $7 Micro USB to USB-C cable that ended up being my only solution in 2025.

Despite the lingering presence of Micro USB, Ravencraft reassures us that USB-C adoption is on an upward trajectory. As countries worldwide embrace regulatory measures similar to the EU’s, the day will inevitably come when USB-C reigns supreme. Until then, I’ll hold on to my meager collection of Micro USB cables and try to dodge any new Micro USB-powered gifts.

What are your thoughts on this unshakeable old tech? Will we ever fully ditch Micro USB for good?