Intel announces Thunderbolt 4 specification

One USB-C cable to rule them all.

With speeds up to 40Gb/s, Thunderbolt 4 maintains the same maximum speed rating as its predecessor and doesn’t enable new features, however, the new specification requires vendors to enable all of the optional features built into Thunderbolt 3, like the ability to hit the 40Gb/s data throughput requirements and support two 4K displays or one 8K display, in order to qualify for Thunderbolt 4 certification. The specification also requires support for PC charging on at least one computer port (for devices under 100W).

Thunderbolt 4 also calls for universal cables (up to 2 meters in length) that support 40Gb/s of throughput, addressing the current confusing array of different types of USB-C cables and ports into one central solution that has a simplified branding scheme (a single lighting bolt logo). Thunderbolt 4 cabling will come in 0.2m, 0.8m, and 2m lengths, with plans for 5 to 50m cabling in the future.