Thunderbolt 4
Thunderbolt 4, introduced by Intel in 2020, builds on the capabilities of Thunderbolt 3 while offering enhanced performance, reliability, and compatibility. Like its predecessor, Thunderbolt 4 supports data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and utilizes the USB Type-C connector. However, it introduces stricter requirements, such as support for dual 4K displays or a single 8K display, and a minimum of 32 Gbps for PCIe data transfers, ensuring consistent performance across all certified devices.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface)
One of the key advancements in Thunderbolt 4 is its improved security, achieved through Intel’s VT-d (Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O) DMA protection, which prevents unauthorized access to memory via peripherals. This makes it more robust for enterprise and professional use. Additionally, Thunderbolt 4 requires support for wake-from-sleep functionality and charging on laptops with at least one port capable of delivering 100W of power via USB Power Delivery, enhancing user convenience.
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/thunderbolt/thunderbolt-4.html
Thunderbolt 4 maintains backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, allowing seamless integration with existing devices while enabling future-proof connectivity. It has been widely adopted in premium laptops, desktops, and docking stations, providing a universal solution for data transfer, display output, and charging. The introduction of Thunderbolt 4 continues to set the standard for high-performance connectivity, ensuring reliability and scalability for modern computing needs.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/15810/intel-details-thunderbolt-4-requirements-and-features