Apple has now added Thunderbolt 5 support to the new M4 Pro and M4 Max Mac models. To take advantage of this new high-speed connection, here is a list of docks and accessories available for purchase. Apple is widely known for its extensive use of Thunderbolt across its Mac lineup, providing users with high-bandwidth file transfers, device power, and a way to connect more hardware to their Macs through docks.
Thunderbolt 5 has achieved significant improvements in multiple dimensions.
The first thing is the bandwidth upgrade: Thunderbolt 4 has a bandwidth of 40Gb/s, while Thunderbolt 5 has a bidirectional bandwidth of up to 80Gb/s, and up to 120Gb/s when used asynchronously.
Secondly, there are enhancements in display support. Thunderbolt 4 supports a single 8K screen or two 4K 60Hz screens, while Thunderbolt 5 can handle multiple 8K screens, three 4K screens at 144Hz, or support up to 540Hz screens.
The power supply has also been improved. Thunderbolt 4 provides up to 100W of power delivery, while Thunderbolt 5 can increase it to 240W.
Thunderbolt 5 is ideal if you're looking for faster data transfer speeds or want to connect more displays to your Mac with a single connection.
About Thunderbolt 4 hardware compatibility:
For Thunderbolt 4 hardware users, Thunderbolt 5 is fully compatible with existing hardware. You can connect a Thunderbolt 4 dock to a Thunderbolt 5 port and it will work fine. Note, however, that doing so will limit Thunderbolt 5 functionality, as it will need to be downgraded to meet Thunderbolt 4 standards, resulting in compromised speeds.
When plugging a Thunderbolt 4 dock into a Thunderbolt 5 connection, the connection speed will drop to Thunderbolt 4 levels simply because the dock does not support higher speeds.
If Thunderbolt 5 speeds are not required, use a Thunderbolt 4 base.
Thunderbolt 5 storage: OWC Envoy Ultra
The OWC Envoy Ultra is an external SSD for your Mac that promises high transfer speeds. Thanks to the use of Thunderbolt 5, it can boast transfer speeds at over 6,000MB/s, while also providing backward compatibility.
The drive is bus-powered, with its own built-in Thunderbolt cable so you don't need to bring one with you. Its fanless aluminum enclosure can dissipate heat, making it silent, while also protecting the data from drops, dust, and rain.
Thunderbolt 5 dock for ports: Purplelec TX007 Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station
Purplelec TX007 is a Thunderbolt 5 dock that will fit in well with your desk environment around your Mac. With 6 connections, it offers a wide number of ways to connect your Mac to other hardware.
The list includes one Thunderbolt 5 upstream port and three downstream ports, one USB-A 3.2 Gen2 10Gbps ports. It also supports up to three 4K monitors or two 8K screens.
Cable choice is equally important.
To ensure you actually get Thunderbolt 5 speeds, use a Thunderbolt 5-enabled cable to connect the port and device. Thunderbolt 4 cables will limit the connection speed to Thunderbolt 4 levels, even when connecting two Thunderbolt 5 ports.
This is similar to using a USB-C cable on a Thunderbolt 4 port, which may result in lower speeds than Thunderbolt 4 can actually achieve.
So when buying a Thunderbolt 5 device, make sure the cable is compatible.
