Next-gen USBs could be twice as fast, with cables you already own

The next generation of USB may be one of the quickest connections yet. According to the USB Promoter Group, USB 4 version 2.0 will be up to 80 Gbps, double what the original USB 4 and even Thunderbolt 4 are capable of.

The official technical specification from the USB Implementers Forum, which is in charge of the standard itself, has not yet been issued. Still, the facts that have come out today are spectacular. In a press release, the Promoter Group states that USB 4 version 2.0 cables will use the USB-C connector, which is expected. Key characteristics of the updated USB4 solution include up to 80 Gbps operation, based on a new physical layer architecture, using existing 40 Gbps USB Type-C passive cables and newly-defined 80 Gbps USB Type-C active cables.

The USB Promoter Group, which includes Intel, Apple, Microsoft, HP, and Texas Instruments, has announced that the USB-C and power delivery specifications would be modified to “allow this greater level of data throughput.” The USB 4 version 2.0 specification will also reportedly include updates that provide faster speeds when using USB 3.2 — the promoters group promises over 20 Gbps — as well as improved support for DisplayPort and PCIe because it will use the most recent versions of those standards (the original USB 4 only allowed you to use DisplayPort 1.4a when “tunnelling,” or carrying DisplayPort and USB signals at the same time).

According to the press release, the upgrade is “primarily aimed at developers at this time,” with complete branding and marketing guidance (including logos) to follow later. Still, it’s fascinating to see what’s coming down the pike and to think of being able to download a 4K Blu-worth rays of data in approximately five seconds.

Most individuals will not require such fast transfer rates, but the main benefit of the new protocol will come from high-performance screens, storage hubs, and docks. Because of the 80 Gbps bandwidth, you can connect an external GPU to a laptop with little to no performance impact. This should allow for a desktop-like gaming experience with far less overheating.

More information regarding the new USB4 Version 2.0 protocol will be presented on November 1 at the USB Developer Days 2022 conference. There will likely be further benefits, but we must wait and see.

In related news, Apple’s iPhones are scheduled to convert to USB C due to new EU restrictions. As a result, the forthcoming iPhone 14 series may be the final to use Lightning ports.

Apple has been utilizing USB-C on MacBooks and iPads for years, and it appears that the iPhone may follow suit shortly. Because most other computers, phones, and tablets use USB-C, you should be able to use a single charger for all your gadgets throughout the house.

Read:
USB Type C Cables Will Allow Users To Charge Gaming Laptops
iPhone 11 to have USB-C instead of the Lightning port, hints a Beta update
USB 3.2 standard will be twice as fast
The upcoming iPhone may ditch Lightning port for USB-C