Technology glossary

Thunderbolt 4

A connection standard using the USB-C connector. A USB-C socket alone does not imply Thunderbolt 4 support.

Intel specifies 40 Gb/s of link bandwidth for Thunderbolt 4. This does not mean every external SSD transfers files at 40 Gb/s; bandwidth can be shared with other functions.

Video, power and data can travel over one cable. The number of supported displays and power delivery depend on the device; the port name alone does not guarantee every configuration.

Devices using this technology

Apple Mac mini (M6) — Mac mini; the M6 and M5 Pro versions share the same enclosure.

Desktop computers · 2026

Apple Mac mini (M6)

A compact desktop computer powered by M6. A display, keyboard and mouse connect separately. Front USB-C ports, rear Thunderbolt connections and Ethernet accommodate desktop peripherals.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) — 13-inch MacBook Air, M5.

Laptops · 2026

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)

A fanless MacBook Air with a 13.6-inch display, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging and a 12 MP Center Stage camera. Memory, graphics and SSD capacity depend on the configuration ordered.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) — The 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air models.

Laptops · 2025

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)

A fanless MacBook Air with a 13.6-inch display, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging and a 12 MP Center Stage camera. Memory, graphics and SSD capacity depend on the configuration ordered.

Dell UltraSharp U2725QE — 27-inch Dell UltraSharp U2725QE.

Monitors · 2025

Dell UltraSharp U2725QE

A 27-inch 4K monitor combining a 120 Hz IPS Black panel with a Thunderbolt 4 hub and 2.5 GbE networking. A compatible computer can receive video, data and power through a single cable.

Sources

  1. Intel: Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C