Intel announced the new Thunderbolt 4, universal cable connectivity solution with improved features and compatibility. The Thunderbolt port is introduced in 2010 as Combined high-speed video and data onto a single connector that has a speed of 10GB/s. The latest Thunderbolt 4 has a speed of 40GB/S which is the same as the speed of Thunderbolt 3 but has improvements in the other areas. This post is aimed to provide information on the new Thunderbolt 4 features, Thunderbolt 4 Vs Thunderbolt 3, why ThunderBolt 4 is advanced than Type-C port, devices that will use Thunderbolt 4 and every other thing about the latest version of the thunderbolt.
Thunderbolt 4 – new features and the improvements
The Thunderbolt 4 offers 40GB/s speed with data, video, and power over a single connection. The newer version includes the Accessories with four Thunderbolt ports and the universal cables up to 2 meters in length. Thunderbolt supports two 4k displays or one 8K display. It is truly universal and compatible with Type-c devices as well. The Thunderbolt 4 is said to be compatible with existing thunderbolt 3 devices and accessories. To get the Thunderbolt 4 certificate, the device must include at least one Thunderbolt 4 port, wake from sleep when the computer is connected to a Thunderbolt dock, Minimum 15W PC port power for accessories.
Thunderbolt 4 Vs ThunderBolt 3
Though both versions have a high speed of 40GB/S, the thunderbolt 4 enables one to connect two 4k monitors or one 8K monitor whereas Thunderbolt 3 supports only one 4k monitor. The requirements have been made strict when compared to Thunderbolt 3 to t=increase the standards of Thunderbolt 4.
Thunderbolt 4 Vs Type-C
The thunderbolt has a high transfer speed of 40GB/S while the speed of Type-C 3.1 is 10GB/S. The port of thunderbolt 4 is the same as the Type-C so it is possible to use the thunderbolt 4 on Type-C but there will be some compromises. The thunderbolt 4 costs way more than the normal Type-C as it provides incredible speed and features.
How to differentiate Thunderbolt 4 port and cables from USB Type-C
Though the Thunderbolt 4 cable and the port look the same as USB 3.1, it can be identified by the brand logo and the version number on the cable.
Devices to support Thunderbolt 4
The upcoming Intel’s mobile processor with the code name “Tiger Lake” will the first one to integrate Thunderbolt 4. It is also expected that the upcoming Apple MacBook Pro will use the Thunderbolt 4. The Thunderbolt 4 compatible devices and accessories are expected to launch late of 2020.
Image Source – Intel newsroom
