The encyclopedia · Software & IT · Strategic decision · 2011–2017
Intel and Apple's one-port Thunderbolt became a standard when Intel opened it
Thunderbolt put PCIe, DisplayPort and power on one cable, and Intel made the spec royalty-free so it became the default laptop port.
Intel · Apple
the move
Laptops had to carry several separate cables and ports for storage, displays and power.
Thunderbolt, introduced with Apple in 2011, multiplexed PCIe and DisplayPort over one small cable so a single port did the work of many.
Intel later folded Thunderbolt 3 into its CPUs and made the protocol royalty-free, which unlocked third-party implementation and broad adoption.
why it works
- One port replaced a tangle of separate data, video and power connectors.
- Opening the spec royalty-free let third-party chipmakers ship compatible controllers.
- Putting the controller in Intel CPUs removed extra silicon and lowered cost.
- Apple shipping it on every Mac gave an instant, large install base.
what transfers
A single connector that absorbs several use cases becomes a standard only if the owner lets everyone build it.
what came after
Thunderbolt became the default high-speed port on many PCs and Macs and rides on the USB-C connector; its royalty-free release is credited with driving wide adoption.
references
- Intel doubles down on Thunderbolt 3, cans licensing fees
- Intel editorial: envision a world with Thunderbolt 3 everywhere
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