Apple Still Considering USB 3.0 in Addition to Thunderbolt?
VR-Zone claims to have heard that Apple is still exploring the integration of USB 3.0 into their future computers. USB 3 is the most recent major version of the USB standard. Apple presently supports USB 2 in its computers. The main improvement in USB 3 is that it can support transfer speeds up to 10x faster than USB 2. VR-Zone writes:
That leaves us wondering when Apple might actually get around to doing this, and for which computers. The iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro have all been updated to the latest Intel architecture. We don't expect them to be updated again until the first half of 2012, which is when Intel's USB 3 ready "Ivy Bridge" is also expected to be available. That just leaves the Mac Pro model which is due for upgrade.
The Mac Pro has been believed to have been a candidate for USB 3 in the past. It's overdue for an update, and is expected to see a refresh late this year. So, that's one possible candidate.
The wildcard is the new Mac Product line that was previously rumored. From VR-Zone's description of their source, it sounds like someone who works in a supplier of USB 3 controllers, so they seem to know that Apple has been looking into them, not the intended target for the parts.
It also seems an unusual move as Apple has committed to Thunderbolt in the most recent round of updates. The main disadvantage of Thunderbolt over USB 3 seems to be the cost of implementation, both in the host computer but also the 3rd party accessories which may be limited to high-end devices to start.
A lot of people have been disappointed over Apple's lack of interest in the USB 3.0 standard, but thanks to a little bird, VR-Zone has heard that the company is still looking at USB 3.0 as a potential feature to add on future products. As to when and how this might happen is not something we know, but from our understanding it'll happen before Intel integrates USB 3.0 support into its chipsets.
Apple has been believed to be holding off on USB 3.0, in part, due to a lack of Intel support in their motherboards. Steve Jobs, responding to an email back in October 2010 said the following:We don't see USB 3 taking off at this time. No support from Intel, for example.
Intel has since announced that their 2012 platform known as 'Ivy Bridge' will support both USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt. Intel says they view the two technologies as complementary. VR-Zone, however, believes that Apple may be considering implementing USB 3.0 before Intel's adoption.That leaves us wondering when Apple might actually get around to doing this, and for which computers. The iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro have all been updated to the latest Intel architecture. We don't expect them to be updated again until the first half of 2012, which is when Intel's USB 3 ready "Ivy Bridge" is also expected to be available. That just leaves the Mac Pro model which is due for upgrade.
The Mac Pro has been believed to have been a candidate for USB 3 in the past. It's overdue for an update, and is expected to see a refresh late this year. So, that's one possible candidate.
The wildcard is the new Mac Product line that was previously rumored. From VR-Zone's description of their source, it sounds like someone who works in a supplier of USB 3 controllers, so they seem to know that Apple has been looking into them, not the intended target for the parts.
It also seems an unusual move as Apple has committed to Thunderbolt in the most recent round of updates. The main disadvantage of Thunderbolt over USB 3 seems to be the cost of implementation, both in the host computer but also the 3rd party accessories which may be limited to high-end devices to start.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
10 months ago
Wasn't it well known that Intel would natively support USB 3.0 in Ivy Bridge? As Steve was quoted, they were just waiting for official support from Intel so obviously USB 3.0 will be coming to Macs in 2012.
10 months ago
USB 3.0 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 right? So replacing USB 2 with 3 makes sense eventually.
10 months ago
I would hope so. USB 3 will become a standard, regardless of thunderbolt. Thunderbolt will always be the expensive, but fast niche, like FireWire.
10 months ago
Sticking in a separate controller means a) writing drivers for it b) finding die space for it and c) realizing that when Intel integrates USB 3.0, most of that work will be for naught.
In other words, don't expect it before 2012 folks.
In other words, don't expect it before 2012 folks.
10 months ago
This would be a terrible idea.
It would eliminate one of the reasons that initiates flame wars on MacRumors.
To aid in turning this thread into a flame war, I present the following:
Thunderbolt > USB 3.0.
Go!
It would eliminate one of the reasons that initiates flame wars on MacRumors.
To aid in turning this thread into a flame war, I present the following:
Thunderbolt > USB 3.0.
Go!
10 months ago
As others have said, USB 3 was always coming to macs once Intel supported it and we know that support is coming with Ivy Bridge.
Guess what else is coming with Ivy Bridge? Native Thunderbolt support. So guess what PC manufacturers will be putting on their comps next year...
PS: USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt are largely complimentary. Thunderbolt isn't supposed to do everything USB does, it's there to do things you'd never think of doing with USB...
Guess what else is coming with Ivy Bridge? Native Thunderbolt support. So guess what PC manufacturers will be putting on their comps next year...
PS: USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt are largely complimentary. Thunderbolt isn't supposed to do everything USB does, it's there to do things you'd never think of doing with USB...
10 months ago
This is not Steve Jobs's apple anymore.
He's been gone for a less than 2 weeks... Not every decision or rumor is a direct result of his absence.
10 months ago
I have to wonder if we will see support for more things (like USB 3.0) now that Cook is CEO. In other words, maybe they won't take such a hard line against things like blu-ray, etc.
10 months ago
USB 3.0 is going to take off. Thunderbolt is not.
Example: Search newegg for USB 3.0 hard drive enclosures. You will get TONS of results, all of them cheap and available right now.
Search newegg for Thunderbolt hard drive enclosures. Zero hits. Absolutely NOTHING.
I don't care how much better Thunderbolt is as a standard; it's clear that the market hasn't embraced it. Apple cannot force the market to embrace it. I'm not saying get rid of it; I still use Firewire today even though the market didn't embrace it either; it's a good standard. But there are USB ports on every Mac, they should be 3.0, not 2.0.
This is what happens when you come up with standards, then slap on expensive and difficult licensing. USB 3.0 is easy to license, hence all the product readily available. Notice that we've seen *ZERO* Thunderbolt products from far-east manufacturers. Apple failed us again.
Example: Search newegg for USB 3.0 hard drive enclosures. You will get TONS of results, all of them cheap and available right now.
Search newegg for Thunderbolt hard drive enclosures. Zero hits. Absolutely NOTHING.
I don't care how much better Thunderbolt is as a standard; it's clear that the market hasn't embraced it. Apple cannot force the market to embrace it. I'm not saying get rid of it; I still use Firewire today even though the market didn't embrace it either; it's a good standard. But there are USB ports on every Mac, they should be 3.0, not 2.0.
This is what happens when you come up with standards, then slap on expensive and difficult licensing. USB 3.0 is easy to license, hence all the product readily available. Notice that we've seen *ZERO* Thunderbolt products from far-east manufacturers. Apple failed us again.
10 months ago
This is brilliant!
I hope they will implement both USB 3 and Thunderbolt in ther 2012 line-up.
I'm preparing for thumb downs as people here have the TB >>>>>>>>>>>> USB 3 mindset.
I hope they will implement both USB 3 and Thunderbolt in ther 2012 line-up.
I'm preparing for thumb downs as people here have the TB >>>>>>>>>>>> USB 3 mindset.
[ Read All Comments ]
Accessory maker Moshi has released a new ultra-thin plastic shell protective case for the 11" and 13" MacBook Air models. This type of plastic case tends to be especially popular among...
Blizzard Entertainment said this week that it sold more than 3.5 million copies of Diablo III on launch day, setting the record for fastest-selling PC game. The company also sold 1.2 million copies...
Hard drive maker Seagate has announced it will purchase data storage device maker LaCie for roughly $186 million.
The company plans to buy the controlling stake owned by Philippe Spruch,...
Intuit has upgraded the iOS app for its Mint personal finance tool with two new "most-requested" features that should keep users from ever having to go to the Mint.com website. Until now,...
Wired points to a recent Technology Review interview with IBM chief information officer Jeanette Horan highlighting the issues of the "bring your own device" trend in which employees choose...
