Earlier today, Intel provided key information on Thunderbolt 4, after an initial presentation at CES in January. The latest version of the connection standard is actually not faster than its predecessor (still offering the same 40 Gbps as its predecessor), but there are some key improvements on board, including updated system requirements day.
Here is the summary, by Intel,
- Video: support for two 4K screens or one 8K screen.
- Data: PCIe at 32 Gbps for storage speeds up to 3000 Mbps.
- Dock support with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports.
- PC supported on at least one computer port.
- Wake your computer up from sleep by touching the keyboard or mouse when it is connected to a Thunderbolt docking station. Direct memory access protection (DMA) based on Intel VT-d that helps prevent physical DMA attacks
Double the minimum video and data requirements for Thunderbolt 3.
The new version will be compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and older USB connections, and is expected to arrive sometime later in 2020 on laptops with Tiger Lake processors. A big question mark in all of this, however, is whether Apple will continue to support this latest connection on its next line of Mac ARMs. After all, this decision marks a major break in the long-standing relationship between Apple and Intel.
In a statement to TipsClear, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the connection in which it has been so invested in recent years, noting: "Over ten years ago, Apple partnered with Intel to design and develop Thunderbolt, and today our customers appreciate the speed and flexibility it brings to each Mac. We remain attached to the future of Thunderbolt and will support it on Macs with Apple Silicon. "
