One of the fastest USB connectors to date may be the upcoming generation. According to the USB Promoter Group, USB 4 version 2.0 will have an 80 Gbps maximum speed, which is twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and the original USB 4.

USB 4 version 2 promises 80 Gbps speeds

Although the USB Implementers Forum, which is in charge of the standard itself, has not yet issued the exact technical specification, the information that is emerging today is somewhat astounding. In a press release, The Promoter Group states that USB 4 version 2.0 cables will utilise the USB-C connector, which is to be expected. However, the real shocker is this sentence: “Key characteristics of the updated USB4 solution include: Up to 80 Gbps operation, based on a new physical layer architecture, using existing 40 Gbps USB Type-C passive cables and newly-defined 80 Gbps USB Type-C active cables” (emphasis theirs).

THERE ARE CURRENTLY FEW TECHNICAL DETAILS ON USB 4 VERSION 2.0
According to Joe Balich, a representative for the USB-IF, a USB 4 cable that is currently rated for 40 Gbps will eventually be able to achieve twice that speed. Frankly, that is very impressive. Backward compatibility has always been a strength of USB (and USB 4 version 2 is no exception), but using the same cable while still taking advantage of the new specification’s highlights is another level.

While claiming that “this benefit was made a condition when the new specification was established and the specifics as to how 80Gbps signalling is performed would be published once the final specification is issued,” Balich did not specify how technically feasible that was. It appears that will occur before to the USB DevDays developer conferences slated for November 1–2 in Seattle and November 15–16 in Seoul.

A new version of the USB-C and power delivery specifications will be released to “allow this higher level of data performance,” according to the USB Promoter Group, which is composed of organisations like Intel, Apple, Microsoft, HP, and Texas Instruments. Since it will be using the most recent version of those standards, the USB 4 version 2.0 specification will also reportedly include updates that offer faster speeds when using USB 3.2 as well as improved support for DisplayPort and PCIe (the original USB 4 could only use DisplayPort 1.4a when “tunnelling,” or carrying DisplayPort and USB signals at the same time).

A USB 5 FEELS VERY MUCH LIKE A USB 4 V2.
But first, we need to discuss the name. It seems odd to refer to this as only “version 2.0” of USB 4 when the increase in speed feels like it should be USB 5. Although the standard has been confused for some time, USB 3.2 is actually made up of several separate standards, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 (also known as the original USB 3.0), USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 12, and USB 3.2 Gen 22. (which is the full-fat 20 Gbps spec). The fact that USB 4 essentially had the same specifications and capabilities as Thunderbolt 3 simplified this somewhat, but it appears that we’re returning to a slightly more muddled naming scheme. Cable compatibility may help, but I can definitely see device spec sheets being a bit of a minefield for a while.

Not that we’ll probably need to handle that anytime soon. The upgrade is “particularly aimed to developers at this time,” according to the press release, and the full branding and marketing guidelines, including things like logos, will be released later. The prospect of being able to transport the data required for a 4K Blu-ray in about five seconds is still intriguing.