Here's what you need to know about USB 3, USB 4, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5.
USB, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2Initially released in 1996, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard is the older of the two connection types, created by a group of companies including IBM, Microsoft, Intel, and others, and maintained by the USB Implementers Forum.
USB Type-C was an alternative option to USB Type-A for USB 3.1 and USB 3.0, but wasn't really used until the next generation.
USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 were given the new technical names of USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Gen 2x1, respectively, while what was known as USB 3.2 became USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
Specifications Thunderbolt 5 Th…