Apple Silicon Will Support Thunderbolt 4

AleksandarK · Jul 10, 2020

Since Apple has announced its transition from Intel to its custom Apple Silicon processors, there has been quite a lot of speculations on what the new processors will bring. Just a few days ago, Intel announced the latest advancement of its Thunderbolt port in the form of Thunderbolt 4, which further advances the Thunderbolt standard with a heap of new features. Since Apple has decided to do away from Intel silicon, there has been a question whatever Apple will offer Thunderbolt 4 support on its Macs. And it seems like we don't have to wonder any further. In the statement below, which Apple spokesman gave to The Verge, the answer is loud and clear.

Apple spokesman for The Verge said:
Over a decade ago, Apple partnered with Intel to design and develop Thunderbolt, and today our customers enjoy the speed and flexibility it brings to every Mac. We remain committed to the future of Thunderbolt and will support it in Macs with Apple silicon.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

AleksandarK · Jul 10, 2020

Apple pushed the adoption of Thunderbolt. Despite Intel having most of the rights to the standard, Apple is still in position to demand using it.

holyprof · Jul 10, 2020

Makes sense, after betting on it for so long and being a non-open and less used standard (unlike USB), it's 100% Apple style to adopt it.

Ravenlord · Jul 10, 2020

holyprof said:
Makes sense, after betting on it for so long and being a non-open and less used standard (unlike USB), it's 100% Apple style to adopt it.

That's why I don't like Apple and I won't buy anything from them. Apple is antonym to standards, less compatibility = more money for non standard accessories.

SamuelL · Jul 10, 2020

I wouldn't count on this forever. Apple wants to exert maximum control so it can force first-party peripherals and restrict users to their ecosystem. If Thunderbolt 4 sees widespread adoption then I could see Apple moving to something else (something "better" they will say).

danbert2000 · Jul 10, 2020

Good on Apple. They should roll their own implementation instead of giving Intel more money as I bet that Intel would find a way to get the same amount of profit from them per Mac as if they didn't change the CPU to in-house.

Apple has a head start since they were involved since the beginning, and likely had a plan to bring Thunderbolt to iPad for a while, but I guess any old company can make Thunderbolt 3 now in the form of a USB4 controller. I wonder how long it will take AMD to get Thunderbolt integrated, whether they do it or use a controller company like Realtek.

windwhirl · Jul 10, 2020

Well, that's one question answered.

Ravenlord said:
That's why I don't like Apple and I won't buy anything from them. Apple is antonym to standards, less compatibility = more money for non standard accessories.

Thunderbolt 4 is USB4 compliant. As long as your USB device has a Type-C connector, you can just plug it into a Thunderbolt port. I imagine you could use a Type-A to Type-C adapter too..

That aside, the new Mac Pro is surprisingly lacking in ports, just 2 USB-A and 4 TB3 ports (2 in the back, 2 in the top). I suppose Apple was counting on people using docks.

danbert2000 said:
Good on Apple. They should roll their own implementation instead of giving Intel more money as I bet that Intel would find a way to get the same amount of profit from them per Mac as if they didn't change the CPU to in-house.

Apple has a head start since they were involved since the beginning, and likely had a plan to bring Thunderbolt to iPad for a while, but I guess any old company can make Thunderbolt 3 now in the form of a USB4 controller. I wonder how long it will take AMD to get Thunderbolt integrated, whether they do it or use a controller company like Realtek.

Thunderbolt is royalty-free now. ~~I doubt any money will go to Intel, specially since certification for TB is done by 3rd parties.~~ They still get a one-time fee, though.

And regarding AMD... It's up to motherboard makers if they will add a controller, I think, but AMD could still add one to their chipset lineup. Add-in cards are available, though, with Gigabyte's GC-Titan Ridge add-in card certified to work on some X570 boards with a Thunderbolt header.

Shou Miko · Jul 11, 2020

Why am I not supprised here??? :confused:

windwhirl · Jul 11, 2020

puma99dk| said:
Why am I not supprised here???

You were expecting to be surprised? :laugh:

Apple did co-design TB with Intel, why wouldn't they use it anyways?

king of swag187 · Jul 11, 2020

AleksandarK said:
Apple pushed the adoption of Thunderbolt. Despite Intel having most of the rights to the standard, Apple is still in position to demand using it.

Given they codeveloped it lol

Midland Dog · Jul 13, 2020

intel got the last laugh then

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Apple Silicon Will Support Thunderbolt 4

AleksandarK

News Editor

AleksandarK

News Editor

holyprof

Ravenlord

SamuelL

danbert2000

windwhirl

Shou Miko

windwhirl

king of swag187

Midland Dog

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