A few days ago we told you about the new Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable that Apple presented, an engineering gem that cost 80 dollars per 1 meter and 149 dollars for 1.8 meters. In other words, for the equivalent of a basic Android mobile, they left a simple USB-C cable at your door. Well, not that simple.
We are talking about prices and a certain tension is already generated. It's true : the price of Apple cables seems to have no reason to exist. And since the European Union imposed the use of the USB-C connection on the iPhone, the company's pulse has not weakened and has gone so far as to ask up to 179 dollars for one of these premium quality cables.
But we won't be the ones arguing about whether that price seems high, because that's a given. Now there are reasons for this award and now we have the reasons explained by none other than the MythBusters, the TV stars who hosted a popular science show that aired on the Discovery Channel for years.
Mythbusters put the magnifying glass on Apple cable
In the attached video we can see how Adam Savage subjects Apple's Thunderbolt cable to several scanners with which he checks the open secret: This cable looks more like a miniature computer. In the connector part you can see a miniaturized motherboard with several components, including two power supplies. Without having to take it apart and ruin it.
And like any motherboard, this Apple Thunderbolt cable also has a central chip which is responsible for managing all the signals that may arrive. This chip is by no means an M1, but it is powerful enough that the high density of data that can flow through the Thunderbolt 4 interface will not face a problem. neck. Let's keep in mind that this cable is capable of transfer data, video or audio signals at 40 Gb/s.
It is important to emphasize here that the new generation is capable of doubling this theoretical speed: it promises 80 gigabits per second (Gbps) bidirectional bandwidth. On the other hand, energy management is also important. Thanks to the two power supplies independent of each other, the cable allows the energy necessary for the connected device to pass. More volts, not less volts.
These are actually several cables in one
A section of Apple's Thunderbolt 4 cable
In the video, Savage even takes the time to take a cutaway image of the cable itself, to see how it's organized. Experts point out that the central conduit is a ground connection and the surrounding conduits are responsible for passing different types of data. All these “mini cables” are surrounded by additional protection which protects them from sudden power surges. All these protections must also pass the necessary certifications to obtain the guarantee of maximum reliability that Apple always boasts of. Which also involves an additional cost.
A subsequent analysis of cheaper cables clearly shows us the differences: many fewer components, much less protection to protect the cable and the device from electric shock. Experts even point out that the small welds between the internal components of the connector are made in a more “sloppy” manner.
In short, the price of Apple cables is justifiable due to the complexity and quality of its components. Don't forget either that these 179 dollars concern the 3 meter Thunderbolt 4 version: you can always opt for the same cable reduced to 1 meter in length for 79 dollars.
Few people know that a bad USB cable limits capabilities
They say that cheap is expensive. But to choose one a little cheaper, five dollars less, we almost always end up making the same mistakes by buying the wrong cable. These are the two keys that can be taken into account to avoid making these mistakes:
Be careful with power
Thunderbolt (3, 4 or 5) and USB 4 cables are ideal because of their high quality standards and superior charging and transfer speeds. If, for example, you don't use a cable specifically designed to handle high powers (such as 100W or more) but you try to charge a device that requires it, you may cause overheating that spreads to the device and eventually causes damage. And many of us worry that this time you might want to check the weight of the cable: heavier ones usually have thicker wiring gauge, which improves signal and durability.
Avoid magnetic adapters and old cables
Third-party magnetic adapters can cause electrical damage due to arcing issues and dirt on the pins. Additionally, it is best to throw away old USB-C cables, as they may not meet modern standards and may damage devices. Investing in a new quality cable guarantees at least this security and compatibility with current technology.
An older version of this article was originally published on 04/12/2023.
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