OWC introduced two new USB4 active optical cables offering increased length and high-speed connections at more competitive prices than Apple’s single long Thunderbolt 4 cable. The cables are available in lengths of 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) and 4.5 meters (15 feet) for $98.99 and $129.99, respectively.

Both cables support data rates of up to 40 Gbps, which matches the maximum throughput of Thunderbolt 4. According to OWC, the 3-meter version provides up to 240 W of power, while the 4.5-meter cable supports charging up to 60 W.

Intel only guarantees Thunderbolt 4 performance over cables up to 2 meters in length, so while these cables are not officially certified as Thunderbolt 4, they do support compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 devices, including docking stations and hubs.

OWC says the extended length capabilities are achieved through fiber optic technology, which provides better EMI immunity than traditional copper cables. The technology is reminiscent of Project Light Peak, which was originally developed by Intel and Apple before settling on copper-based Thunderbolt solutions.

The release introduces a more affordable alternative Apple 3 Meter Thunderbolt 4 Cablewhich costs $159. Like Apple’s offering, OWC cables feature a braided nylon sheath for durability and flexibility.

Also from today OWC previously announced Thunderbolt 5 hub yes now available for purchaseon pre-order since November. The $189.99 OWC Hub is one of the first accessories to support the latest Intel Thunderbolt standard, bringing Thunderbolt 5 compatibility to the latest Apple Mac mini and MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. New cables and hub are available to order directly from the store. VNK website.

Popular stories

Apple plans to expand iPhone driver’s license to these 7 US states

In some U.S. states, residents can add their driver’s license or state ID to the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient, contactless way to display ID or age at certain airports and businesses, as well as in some apps. Below we describe which US states and territories offer this feature, as well as additional states that have committed to implementing it…

Here’s what’s new in iOS 18.3 so far

iOS 18.3 is currently in beta testing for developers and public beta testers. At the moment, the upcoming iPhone software update is very minor in scope. Below we will tell you what’s new in iOS 18.3. The only potential new feature coming to iPhones with iOS 18.3 is support for the robot vacuum in the Home app, but that feature has not yet been implemented. Apple is laying the groundwork for this feature…

iPhone 17 Air thickness and price range revealed in new report

Apple is rumored to be planning to release an ultra-thin iPhone 17 model later this year, and a new report provides some purported details. South Korea’s Sisa Journal reported today that Apple is aiming for the so-called “iPhone 17 Air” to be 6.25mm thick. If these measurements prove accurate, the device will become the thinnest iPhone ever, surpassing the current record of 6.9mm thickness…

New MacBook Air models coming soon with these rumored features

One of Apple’s first product announcements in 2025 will likely be updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M4 chip. Below we summarize the rumors about the next MacBook Air models. New features are expected. The new MacBook Air models are expected to be powered by Apple’s already released M4 chip, which has a 10-core processor and 10-core GPU. Apple has already updated the MacBook…

Here’s what will change with Siri in 2025

Apple began expanding Siri’s capabilities with Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2, but there are additional updates to Siri due in 2025 with iOS 18 and iOS 19. By this time next year, Siri should be much smarter if planned Apple’s changes are in line with the company’s expectations. Features coming to iOS 18. The best new Siri features haven’t been added yet…

Review: Apple M4 Mac Mini is the best desktop Mac

Apple updated the Mac mini back in November, adding M4 chips and increasing the base memory. We did a hands-on impressions video at the time, but decided we’d follow up with a more in-depth review now that we’ve had more time to spend with Apple’s cheapest desktop computer. Subscribe to MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Starting at $599, Mac mini offers…

iPhone 17 will have a sleeker design with a camera bump

The design of this year’s next-generation iPhone 17 will supposedly feature a smoother transition between the edges of the device and the back cover, thanks to Apple’s use of a new glass-to-metal bonding process. This was reported by a source from Weibo, Fix Focus Digital. In a report on Monday, a Chinese source said suppliers claim the iPhone 17 uses a “process…