Thunderbolt and USB-C mainly affect Apple users. But what exactly is it, what are the differences and how can I best use it for myself? We answer these questions for you in the following article.
Thunderbolt and USB-C on Apple devices
After more and more devices were converting to USB-C bit by bit, Apple also made a change to some devices: In autumn 2016, new Macbook Pro models came out that had a Thunderbolt 3 interface. Only the iPad Pro has had a USB-C interface since October 2018. Important to know: USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 look physically the same. However, the internal hardware is different.
Differences between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3
USB-C is the current advancement of the USB system. It is based on the USB 3.0 software and hardware. The special thing about USB-C is that the plug can no longer be inserted the wrong way round. USB 3.1 is an extended software version and also has a monitor interface. The system has a speed of up to 10 gigabits per second..
This is where Thunderbolt comes into play: While version 2 already offered twice the speed, the Thunderbolt 3 developed by Intel and Apple can transmit up to 40 gigabits per second. However, this requires specific cables. Standard cables, so-called "passive" cables, still achieve a rate of up to 20 gigabits per second. In order to really be able to use the full 40 gigabits, an "active" cable must be purchased. Thunderbolt is similar to the USB 3.1 system but much faster. The Thunderbolt system also uses the USB-C hardware in order not to keep introducing new plugs.
External hardware (and even graphics cards) can also be connected via Thunderbolt with an active cable. Devices can also be supplied with up to 100 watts of charging current via this connection. Ultimately, this can mean that classic power plugs for laptops will no longer be necessary. So Thunderbolt is kind of an improved version of USB 3.1..
Compatibility between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3
The normal user can breathe a sigh of relief: all devices and cables that are compatible with USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 can be used with both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections. However, devices and cables designed for Thunderbolt 3 are not compatible with USB 3.0 / USB-C sockets. They can be plugged into the slot, but the software will not run.
