The USB standard is a mess, but it’s also true that the one who has been and will be on the longest journey. Today, the responsible body, the USB Applyers Forum (USB-IF), has officially released USB 4 version 2.0. A feature that, when available, will enable speeds that are more than twice the current ones.

Today we have from 0.48 Gbps to 40 Gbps. Not all USB-C is the same. We have several versions through such ports. The most basic is USB 2.0, which offers 0.48 Gbps, passing through USB 3.0, which offers 4.8 Gbps, and even the latest USB 4, which reaches 40 Gbps, or Thunderbolt 4. This new version promises to increase the transfer speed even more.

USB4 version 2.0 is official. As announced last September, USB4 specification version 2.0 is here. We have a new physical layer architecture that will take advantage of existing 40Gbps USB-C cables to achieve twice the speed of up to 80Gbps duplex.

It’s a significant leap forward enough to even call it USB5. Something that would make sense if it was equal to Thunderbolt 5. However, they chose this more conservative terminology over USB-IF to leave room for USB 3.0 to settle in.

Base 80 Gbps, optional up to 120 Gbps. Beyond the 80 Gbps we already knew would be reached, USB-IF has announced that USB4 version 2.0 will allow access of up to 120 Gbps in some cases. The bidirectional speed for connecting accessories will be 80 Gbps, but certain devices such as hard drives or monitors can transfer 120 Gbps on one side and 40 Gbps on the other.

We will start to be with you in 2024. USB-C has a long way to go. We’re still seeing the expansion of USB 3.0 right now. There’s more to this USB4 2.0. Currently the specification is already available from manufacturers, but it will take time to find phones, laptops, monitors and cables that comply with this certification. “It will take at least 12 to 18 months before we start seeing competent solutions in the market,” they explain from USB-IF.