Apple’s Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable has faced criticism for its high price compared to cheaper USB-C options on the market. Lumafield, a company specializing in X-ray CT scanning, conducted an analysis to determine why the Thunderbolt cable is so expensive. The results of the scan revealed that Apple’s cable boasts complex engineering unmatched by its competitors.
The CT scans conducted by Lumafield showcased the intricate nine-layer PCBA and utilization of all 24 pins for connection in Apple’s Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable. In comparison, a $10 Amazon Basics USB-C cable featured a lower-spec construction with only 12 pins, of which eight were eliminated for cost-cutting measures. This clearly demonstrates the superiority of Apple’s design, which is capable of power delivery up to 100W and data transfer speeds of 40 Gbps.
Furthermore, Lumafield’s analysis also revealed the poor construction and engineering of other USB-C cables on the market. One particularly concerning finding was a $5 cable that lacked a PCBA entirely, with the connectors directly attached to the wires. The stark contrast in quality between Apple’s Thunderbolt cable and these cheaper alternatives highlights why the former comes with a significantly higher price tag.
In conclusion, Lumafield’s CT scans provided valuable insights into the engineering behind Apple’s Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable, explaining its expensive price point compared to cheaper USB-C offerings. The scans showcased the advanced nine-layer PCBA and utilization of all 24 pins, which allow for superior power delivery and data transfer capabilities. The analysis also exposed the poor construction of cheaper cables on the market, emphasizing the value and quality of Apple’s design.
