Thunderbolt 4 is coming, with Intel detailing the next-generation port that promises better performance and more security, as well as greater flexibility on
Thunderbolt 4 is coming, with Intel detailing the next-generation port that promises better performance and more security, as well as greater flexibility on laptops and desktops. Sticking with the same USB Type-C connector as Thunderbolt 3 – and indeed backward compatible with the existing port – computers with Thunderbolt 4 will now support two 4K displays instead of just one.
The 40 GB/s maximum data rate hasn’t changed from Thunderbolt 3, but Thunderbolt 4 certified devices will need to support it consistently, rather than offer the 20 GB/s mode as is currently allowed. As before you get power, data, and video over a single connection. However it means things like the ability to drive an 8K display from a Thunderbolt 4 port, while PCIe data rates will allow up to 3,000 MBps for external storage.
In fact, it’s flexibility where Thunderbolt 4 really promises to shine, not just pure performance. Some of the more frustrating bottlenecks in Thunderbolt 3 have been addressed, such as support for external docks with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports.
