The USB4 specification merges Thunderbolt 3 and USB with transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb / s

The USB4 specification of a new version of USB has been released today by the USB Developer Forum. [PDF] giving us details on what to expect from the next generation USB architecture after a preview in March.

USB4 is a major update that "complements and supports" 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, which doubles the maximum bandwidth of USB and allows multiple simultaneous display and data protocols.

The USB-IF introduced the main specifications of the USB4 architecture, such as speeds of 40 Gb / s (twice the current maximum speed of 20 Gb / s) and backward compatibility with USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3.

• Two-way operation using existing Type C USB cables running up to 40 Gbps on 40 Gbps certified cables
• Multiple data and display protocols that effectively share maximum aggregated bandwidth
• Backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3

USB4 will use the same USB-C connector design as USB 3, which means that manufacturers will not need to introduce new USB4 ports into their devices.

The latest Apple Macs support USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, which means that most Mac users already know about USB4 speeds when they use Thunderbolt 3 cables and peripherals, but USB4 will Thunderbolt speed the new default setting and will reduce the cost of devices. that use these faster transfer speeds.

A USB power supply will be needed in devices designed for USB4, which also means we can expect to see more powerful chargers with multiple USB4 ports.

Although the USB4 specification is complete, it will take some time before you can see devices that take advantage of USB4. It usually takes at least a year for new products to come out as a result of finalizing a new specification. It will therefore be necessary to end 2020 or beyond before starting to see USB4 devices.