Why cant there be a universal cable for every kind of socket?

Question

To elaborate: Why must a USB cable look different from an HDMI cable? Why must we have B-type and C-type chargers? Why use circular audio jacks when it can be “USB’ed” instead? and so on

In: 2

Answer 1

There is a benefit to different type of plugs. You don’t want to plug an audio cable in to a socket that carries voltage. Sending line voltage to a sensitive amplifier or preamp could damage it.