USB4
USB4 is the latest iteration of the USB standard, introduced by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2019. It is designed to unify and streamline connectivity by incorporating the performance benefits of Thunderbolt 3 while maintaining backward compatibility with earlier USB standards. USB4 offers data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, doubling the maximum speed of USB 3.2 and matching the capabilities of Thunderbolt 3. This makes it an ideal solution for high-performance tasks such as transferring large media files, connecting 4K and 8K displays, and powering external GPUs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB4
One of the standout features of USB4 is its mandatory use of the USB Type-C connector, which supports bi-directional data transfer, power delivery of up to 100W, and compatibility with DisplayPort and PCI Express. The integration of multiple protocols over a single cable simplifies the user experience and reduces the need for multiple cables and adapters. USB4 also supports dynamic bandwidth allocation, prioritizing video and data streams to optimize performance for multi-functional devices.
USB4 enhances the interoperability of devices by supporting both USB and Thunderbolt 3 technologies. Manufacturers can choose to implement optional Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, further broadening the range of devices that can benefit from USB4. This flexibility, combined with its backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and earlier versions, has positioned USB4 as a future-proof standard that caters to the growing demands of high-speed connectivity in consumer and professional environments.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14869/usb4-standard-finalized-all-thunderbolt-3-features-integrated