M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro Models Likely to Feature Thunderbolt 5

[MacRumors]

Apple dropped a surprise today with the announcement of the new redesigned Mac mini when it revealed that the M4 Pro model comes with three Thunderbolt 5 ports, making it the first Mac to support the next-generation connectivity standard.

The newest specification of Thunderbolt offers 80 Gb/s of bi-directional bandwidth, and with Bandwidth Boost it will provide up to 120 Gb/s, enabling triple the maximum bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4 for an optimal display experience.

Given that the current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips only support the older protocol, you can almost consider it a given that Apple's upcoming MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max will support Thunderbolt 5.

Thunderbolt 5 is fully compatible with USB4, and supports advanced protocols such as PCIe 4.0, allowing faster data access speeds for storage devices and peripherals. In addition, the new standard features support for native DisplayPort 2.1 output over USB‑C. Thanks to Thunderbolt 5, the Mac mini with M4 Pro can also support up to three 6K external displays at 60Hz, so expect similar enhancements to come to the new high-end MacBook Pro models.

Apple is expected to announce the new M4 MacBook Pro models on Wednesday. The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro will be equipped with an M4 chip, while the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models will offer M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.

Article Link: M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro Models Likely to Feature Thunderbolt 5

 

[northernmunky]

I dont think 'likely' is the right word, its part of the M4 chip design, so its a 100% cert that it will.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Pro Motion displays incoming? Don't tease me boy.

 

[johnalan]

Am I reading this correct that with a top end Mini with M4 Pro and TB5, it's still a max of

2x4K @ 240hz?

 

[adamw]

Yes! Up to 120 Gbs speeds with Thunderbolt 5! I need external Thunderbolt 5 SSD drives that fly fast!

 

[Chiromac81]

No wifi 7 on the new mini??

 

[Will Co]

Going to be an interesting reveal tomorrow. I'm potentially interested in an MBP 16 Max if the price isn't crazy. Also liking the TB5 announcement.

 

[jz0309]

Good move Apple!
im curious, how is that “boost” from 80-120 achieved? Intel used the term “boost” by temporarily increasing clock frequency with their CPUs, so just wondering

 

[JosephAW]

How about supporting older standards like USB-C 3.2 2x2?

Can’t even apply macOS system updates without unplugging the USB-C cable and plugging my M2 into a USB A cable.

 

[atonaldenim]

yes! yesterday I posted “wake me up when we get Thunderbolt 5”… I am awake!!

 

[Tymbo]

Now we just need new displays introduced into the market to complement 5k 120hz the new capability. The week isn’t over, so maybe??? 🤔

 

[adamw]

OWC has available for Pre-Order the first Thunderbolt 5 external portable SSD drives with over 6,000MB/second speeds now: https://www.owc.com/solutions/envoy-ultra

 

[And Boom]

Well, now I definitely think the MacStudio tomorrow or Thursday, and new monitor(s). That amount of monitor throughput, they’re going to want to have a high-end display that can match that.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

I'm coining it—from this day forth it will be known as "baby Mac".

 

[andrewxgx]

means they're capable of running 5k 120 Hz display
studio display refresh incoming (i'd say along with refreshed mac studio and pro)
XDR too probably

 

[cczhu]

ProMotion XDR Display would be a dream come true

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Studio Display with Pro Motion would be an insta-buy for me

 

[Rychiar]

Well, now I definitely think the MacStudio tomorrow or Thursday, and new monitor(s). That amount of monitor throughput, they’re going to want to have a high-end display that can match that.

Were Not that lucky

 

[adamw]

Here is a good explanation of why Thunderbolt 5 speeds and compatibility are so important for the future growth and speed upgrades for your Mac: https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/thunderbolt-5-vs-thunderbolt-4

 

[JungleNYC]

I'm in the market for one of these updated things… but the specs are all over the place 🥴

 

[mystery hill]

Well, now I definitely think the MacStudio tomorrow or Thursday

There won’t be a new Mac Studio this week.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

Pro Motion displays incoming? Don't tease me boy.

This. This is the takeaway. miniLED Studio display and Pro Display XDR display with promotion. This is the way.

 

[platinumaqua]

OWC has available for Pre-Order the first Thunderbolt 5 external portable SSD drives with over 6,000MB/second speeds now: https://www.owc.com/solutions/envoy-ultra

View attachment 2443813

hopefully they come out with an enclosure version of this!

it's been hard finding real TB3/4 nvme enclosures

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Well, now I definitely think the MacStudio tomorrow or Thursday, and new monitor(s). That amount of monitor throughput, they’re going to want to have a high-end display that can match that.

You think those products are coming this week and we haven't heard anything about it, despite Apple leaking everything else like sieve?

They basically intended to completely exit the external display market altogether not too long ago, so i wouldn't hold your breath..

 

[hajime]

OWC has available for Pre-Order the first Thunderbolt 5 external portable SSD drives with over 6,000MB/second speeds now: https://www.owc.com/solutions/envoy-ultra

View attachment 2443813

Is it still not as fast as the internal SSD? I am trying to decide between M4 Pro Mini and M4 Mini.