Intel Unveils Details for Thunderbolt 4

Intel Unveils Details for Thunderbolt 4
Intel

Intel revealed new details about Thunderbolt 4, the next generation of its universal cable connectivity solution. It will deliver increased minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities and USB4 specification compliance.

For the first time, Thunderbolt 4 will offer docks with up to four ports and universal cables up to 2 meters in length. Intel’s upcoming mobile PC processors, code-named “Tiger Lake,“ will be the first to integrate Thunderbolt 4. Intel also announced the Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000 series, compatible with the hundreds of millions of Thunderbolt 3 PCs and accessories already available. Thunderbolt 4 developer kits and certification testing are now available.

“Thunderbolt provides consumers with a leading connectivity standard across a range of devices, helping to advance computing experiences and delivering on the promise of USB-C with simplicity, performance and reliability. The arrival of Thunderbolt 4 underscores how Intel is advancing the PC ecosystem toward truly universal connectivity solutions,“ said Jason Ziller, Intel general manager of the Client Connectivity Division.

“We expect Thunderbolt 4 products to be an inflection point for accessory makers who depend on PCs and Macs to offer an industry-leading set of product capabilities for a consistent user experience. The advancements in Thunderbolt 4 will help Kensington redefine the modern workspace of the future,“ said Ben Thacker, vice president and general manager at Kensington.

Thunderbolt 4 builds on the innovation of Thunderbolt 3 for a universal cable connectivity. It will deliver 40 Gbps speeds and data, video and power over a single connection. It is the most comprehensive Thunderbolt specification yet with compliance across the broadest set of industry-standard specifications, including USB4, DisplayPort and PCI Express (PCIe), and is fully compatible with prior generations of Thunderbolt and USB products. It will be available later this year. The first computers and accessories with Thunderbolt 4 ports are also expected to be available this year, including laptops.