About

The story behind USB Connection Information.

Solving a Real Problem

Like many of you, I’ve collected a drawer full of USB-C cables over the years. And like many of you, I’ve experienced the frustration of plugging in a “fast” external SSD, only to see abysmal transfer speeds.

The Problem

Recently, I got a new SSD, excited to finally get some quick backups going. Plugged it in, started copying, and watched the progress show hours for a few GB. My immediate thought: DOA drive, or worse, I was scammed.

After some head scratching and cable swapping, I discovered the culprit: a USB-C cable that was only negotiating USB 2.0 speeds. It looked identical to my other cables, but its internal wiring was effectively throttling my transfer rates. It’s a common problem, made worse by the visually similar USB-C cables despite their vast range of capabilities.

The Solution

I knew macOS’s System Information panel could show me the current USB connection speed, but digging through that every time I connected a new device or swapped a cable was just too much friction for my workflow. I figured there had to be a better way.

So, I decided to build it. I’ve developed several Mac apps in Swift before, but this was my first dive into menu bar applications and background processes. It was a fun challenge to integrate with the system in a lightweight, background application format.

The Result

The result is USB Connection Information. It’s a small menu bar app that displays the active USB connection speed for your devices at a glance. It shows speed, USB version, wattage, device manufacturer, and more. No more guessing, no more deep dives into system panels.

My goal was simply to solve a recurring annoyance I faced, and I hope it can help others avoid similar headaches.

The Connection Information Suite

What started as a solution for USB-C cable confusion has grown into a comprehensive diagnostic toolkit for your Mac. The Connection Information Suite brings together four essential menu bar apps that give you complete visibility into your Mac’s core connections.

USB Connection Information — The original app that started it all. Instantly see USB connection speeds, versions, wattage, and device information without digging through system panels.
Audio Connection Information — Unlock the true potential of your audio hardware with detailed, real-time monitoring of sample rates, bit depth, channel counts, and device specifications.
Display Connection Information — Get detailed information about your display connections. Monitor resolution, refresh rates, color profiles, and display capabilities.
Network Connection Information — Monitor your network connections in real-time. See active interfaces, connection speeds, IP addresses, and network status at a glance.

Save over $6 when you purchase the Connection Information Suite bundle instead of buying each app separately.

About the Developer

Daniel Gauthier — Independent macOS developer passionate about creating useful tools that solve real problems. I focus on building lightweight, efficient applications that integrate seamlessly with the macOS ecosystem.

I’m keen to hear your thoughts, feedback, and if this is a problem you’ve faced too. Have you ever been frustrated by slow USB transfers or confusing cable capabilities?