Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The USB Promoter Group has announced USB4 Version 2.0, a forthcoming specification that will double the speed of the 40 Gbps transmission limit of the current USB4 spec over USB-C.

The specification will enable 80 Gbps using existing 40 Gbps USB-C passive cables and new 80 Gbps USB Type-C "active cables". 

Hardware

• The best photography drones: Capture stunning aerial footage
• Our favorite robot mowers: Hands-free lawn care
• The top 5 home batteries: Backup systems to keep you charged
• The best cheap vacuum cleaners: Affordable and reliable vacs

According to Brad Saunders, USB Promoter Group chairman, the device to see the biggest gains from the speedier connection are higher-performance displays, storage, and USB-based hubs and docks.

SEE:DeFi: Injective Protocol's 'CosmWasm' upgrade adds more functionality for developers and users

The USB Promoter Group, which includes Apple, HP, Intel and Microsoft among others, announced the 40 Gbps USB4 specification in 2019. It was the first time the specification used Intel's Thunderbolt technology and also doubled the speed of its predecessor specification. 

The group also plans to update USB-C and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) specifications to enable the higher data performance. 

USB4 will be backwards compatible with USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3. It will also align with the latest versions of DisplayPort and PCIe, while USB data architecture updates enable USB 3.2 data tunneling to exceed 20 Gbps.

The USB Promoter Group plans to publish its specification updates ahead of this year's series of USB DevDays developer events planned for November. The updates will come to USB4, USB Type-C, and USB PD specifications.

It will be up to phone, laptop, PC and USB cable manufacturers to implement the technology. The group hasn't said when it expects USB4 version 2.0 products to be available. It plans on updating branding and marketing guidelines to include USB 80 Gbps both for identifying certified products and certified cables. 

It's another win for USB-C, which Europe has decided to standardize on for all phones and gadgets. Bloomberg in May reported Apple was testing future iPhone models that replace its Lightning charging port with USB-C. The earliest an iPhone with USB-C would arrive is in 2023, a year before Europe will require it. Apple could also make an iPhone with no charging port. 

Smartphones

A team of ex-Apple employees wants to replace smartphones with this AI projectorWhich iPhone is right for you and how do the different models compare?My iPhone's battery doesn't stay at 100% for as long as it used to. Is there a problem?Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: Best smartphone of the year (so far)The best phone ring lights (and what makes for 'good lighting')

• A team of ex-Apple employees wants to replace smartphones with this AI projector
• Which iPhone is right for you and how do the different models compare?
• My iPhone's battery doesn't stay at 100% for as long as it used to. Is there a problem?
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: Best smartphone of the year (so far)
• The best phone ring lights (and what makes for 'good lighting')