The USB Implementers Forum released the USB4 specification on Tuesday, offering details as to what to expect from the next-generation USB architecture.
USB4 is a major update that “complements and builds upon” the current USB 3.2 2×2 (USB-C) and USB 2.0 architectures. According to the USB-IF, the USB4 architecture is based on Thunderbolt, doubling the maximum bandwidth of USB and allowing for multiple simultaneous data and display protocols.
The specification offers the following bells and whistles:
- Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables and up to 40Gbps operation over 40Gbps certified cables
- Multiple data and display protocols that efficiently share the maximum aggregate bandwidth
- Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3
The USB4 specification will use the same USB-C connector design as USB 3, meaning USB4 devices will connectedly cleanly with USB-C ports.
Apple’s newest Macs offer support for USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, which means most Mac users are already experiencing USB4 speeds when using Thunderbolt 3 cables and devices, but USB4 will make Thunderbolt-style speeds the new default and it will lower the cost of devices that use these faster transfer speeds.
The USB4 specification will also offer USB power Delivery, which should allow for higher-powered chargers with multiple USB4 ports.
Although the USB4 specification is complete, it’ll take some time before these devices hit the market. It’s currently estimated that it will be late 2020 or beyond before the first USB4 devices hit the market.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors and the USB Implementers Forum