The fact that Apple likes to charge slightly higher prices for its own accessories is nothing new. However, the price for a new cable might seem exorbitant to many. TECHBOOK explains what the cable can do and reveals which components are in it.
iPhone cases for over 50 euros, braided Apple Watch straps for 100 euros or Lightning charging cables for 25 euros. If you want accessories with a bitten apple, you’ll be happy to pay at least twice as much as the competition. However, one should not forget that Apple products are often of better quality. You may not notice a difference with Lightning charging cables, but the originals are clearly ahead when it comes to iPhone cases or Apple Watch straps. But what about the Thunderbolt 4 cable, which costs 179 euros?
Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable (3m) for 179 euros
For 179 euros you can get almost the 3rd generation of AirPods from Apple. Or a three meter long one Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable. This allows a Mac or MacBook to be connected to a monitor.
The first question that probably comes to mind immediately: Why is the cable so expensive? The answer: It offers the latest technology. In addition, it is also very long at three meters. However, the latter plays a minor role. The Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable is already available in a length of 1.8 meters for a price of 149 euros.
It’s in the cable
In a so-called teardown video, ChargerLAB has now opened the cable to find out what’s really inside. The cable contains wires coated with silver and copper as well as 24 gold-plated pins. The case inside is made of brass. The material value for this should still be very low due to the small quantity. Furthermore, there is also a special Intel chip in the cable, which should ensure even better transmission.
An Apple cable has never been faster
Here is an overview of the specifications of the cable:
- Data transfer up to 40 Gbit/s
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer up to 10 Gbit/s
- DisplayPort video output (HBR3)
- Backward Compatible: Connect Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C and USB enabled devices and displays
- Up to 100W power transmission
- Daisy chain up to six Thunderbolt 3 devices
Many might suspect that the standout feature and at the same time the biggest price driver is the data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s. But that is wrong. Because the predecessor, Thunderbolt 3, achieved the same speeds. Thunderbolt 3 cables are available in 80 cm lengths for around 45 euros.
However, Thunderbolt 4 is still more powerful, because thanks to improved video data support, 8K instead of just 4K monitors can be connected. PCIe data speeds have also doubled to 32Gbps. Important if you want to connect an external graphics card.
Also interesting: 10 cheap alternatives to expensive Apple accessories
Conclusion: high-end for too high a price
In the end, it is a cable that users of the latest Apple hardware will use in the professional sector. In relation to the purchase prices of Mac Pros and Co., the price is therefore quite plausible. But if you look at the cable individually, it is simply too expensive for private users. Comparable Thunderbolt 4 cables can be found on Amazon for a third of the price. But as ChargerLAB also says, it is the best cable in the professional sector.