● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
USB4 Version 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 to deliver 80 Gbps bandwidth by 2026
Key points
- USB4 Version 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 are being implemented.
- New standards offer 80 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth.
- Asymmetric modes provide 120 Gbps for display workloads.
- The goal is to simplify the USB standard.
Next Generation USB Connectivity
The USB ecosystem is undergoing a significant transition with the introduction of USB4 Version 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5. These new standards are expected to be widely adopted in premium laptop and desktop segments by 2026, marking a shift from current 20 Gbps and 40 Gbps speeds.
Increased Bandwidth and Power
The primary advancements include higher throughput, with both standards delivering 80 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth. For display-intensive applications, an asymmetric mode will provide up to 120 Gbps. Additionally, these new versions will offer expanded power delivery capabilities.
Simplifying the Standard
A key objective of this transition is to simplify the USB standard, which has accumulated layers of optionality over nearly three decades. This effort aims to make it easier for users to understand the capabilities of ports and cables, addressing past complexities in naming conventions and feature implementations.
Evolution of USB
USB began in 1996 with USB 1.0 at 12 Mbps, evolving through USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and USB 3.0 (5 Gbps). Subsequent versions like USB 3.1 and 3.2 increased bandwidth to 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps, but also introduced confusing naming. The introduction of USB-C in 2014 consolidated physical connectors, and USB4 in 2019 aimed for integrated high-speed transport, though its promises depended on device implementation.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
The daily brief
One email each morning: the day's tech stories, clustered across outlets and summarized. No account needed.
One email a day. Unsubscribe in one click, any time.
Today's brief
Spend a few minutes, get the whole day. Every topic's top stories in one hands-free rundown — listen, watch, or read the transcript.
▶ Play today's brief
New every morning, and the back catalogue is archived by date.
Reporting from
USB4 Version 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 are being implemented in premium laptops and desktops, targeting 80 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth and 120 Gbps asymmetric modes. This transition aims to increase throughput and power delivery, while also simplifying the USB standard's complexity.