Don't let Thunderbolt stand alone: ​​Apple is considering supporting USB 3.0

It may be understandable that Apple does not support Blu-ray, but completely disregarding USB 3.0 makes it unacceptable to many people. Now finally there is a more precise source, Apple is considering adopting USB 3.0, may be equipped with this high-speed interface in future new products.

Because of the confidentiality agreement, more complete information is not convenient to disclose, and it is not known when Apple will release products that support USB 3.0, but according to the current signs, it is likely that it will catch up with Intel 7 series chips that natively support USB 3.0. Before the group arrives, it is the first time early next year.

Apple's object of inspection is naturally a third-party USB 3.0 host controller. In particular, the price of this chip has dropped to a very low level. The quotation for large-scale procurement is only 2-3 US dollars. In contrast, the Intel Thunderbolt chip solution has a price tag of as much as $10 to $15, and requires more than just a master chip. It also requires equipment chips and other extra chips to be added on the device side depending on the situation. The overall complexity is quite complicated. . For the pursuit of the ultimate simplicity of the apple, this is obviously not in line with its style.

Of course, the theoretical speed of USB 3.0 is only half that of Thunderbolt (5Gbps VS. 10Gbps), but the former is more than sufficient for everyday applications in the short term, and it also has the natural advantage of backward compatibility with USB 2.0. Thunderbolt is A new closed interface has poor compatibility and openness.

At the same time, Apple is also working with partners to develop cheaper Thunderbolt interface storage solutions for ordinary consumers and small business customers who do not require RAID disk arrays.

Intel may also allow third-party vendors to manufacture device-side chips that support the Thunderbolt specification in the future, but it is not possible to intervene in the host.