Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to detection of cable connections for electronic devices. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a port for the connection of a cable, the port being compatible with a first protocol and a second protocol, the port including a connector for the second protocol, the port including multiple pins including a first pin and a second pin. The apparatus further includes a pull-up resistor coupled between the first pin and a voltage source, a pull-down resistor coupled between the second pin and ground, and a voltage detection element coupled with the second pin. The apparatus is to determine that a cable compatible with the first protocol is connected to the port if the voltage detection element detects a voltage above a first threshold.