Remember how when Apple debuted the MacBook Pro 14 and 16 late last year, they also introduced a polishing cloth for RM99 to the amusement of the tech world? Apple seems to be doing the same again, except this time introducing their own Thunderbolt 4 ‘Pro’ Cable that starts at RM649 for 1.8m while the full length 3m cable will set you back a staggering RM799.
This ‘pro’ grade cable has a braided exterior for tangle prevention, with support for data transfers at up to 40Gb/s at full speeds. It can double as a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable too, providing up to 10Gb/s transfer speeds. Apple also says it supports a DisplayPort video signal, as well as a 100W of power delivery. Curiously, among the highlights Apple lists on its product page is the Thunderbolt logo on the cable to help it stand out from other cables.
Having to get your cable certified for Thunderbolt 4 by Intel is actually a pretty arduous task, with Intel putting your cable through its paces to ensure it meets their spec. However, the high price of Apple’s Thunderbolt 4 Pro cables just seems way too expensive. In the US, the 3 meter long cable goes for USD159, while the 1.8 meter one is priced at USD129. This has pretty much led to even more mocking Apple the same way they were mocked for selling their polishing cloth.
As a comparison, other Thunderbolt 4 certified cables in the US such as the 2 meter CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 costs USD79.99, while one from Plugable at the same length costs USD59. Razer also has a Thunderbolt 4 cable of their own, with the 2 meter long ones coming in at USD109.99. Meanwhile in Malaysia, the 2 meter ORICO Thunderbolt 4 cable goes for RM259, a fraction of what Apple is asking for their 1.8 meter Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable.
If you were planning to get the Mac Studio by the way, you’ll want to take note that it doesn’t come with a Thunderbolt cable in the box. However, the Studio Display does come with a 1 meter long Thunderbolt cable, though it wasn’t specified if it is a Thunderbolt 4-capable cable.
