Exploring the Current Status and Future Trends of USB4 v2.0 (80G) in Unifying Interfaces

一. HDMI, DP, Lightning, and USB will gradually merge into USB4 v2.0 (USB 80G) in the future
1. Unified physical layer: The USB-C 24 pin interface can simultaneously support USB, DP, Thunderbolt, and charging (PD), avoiding multiple interfaces.
2 DP Alt Mode & HDMI Alt Mode：
DP 2.0/2.1 has completely gone through the USB-C physical layer.
HDMI can also be transmitted over USB-C through Alt Mode.
3. Thunderbolt technology contribution: Intel open-source Thunderbolt 3 → USB4, based on this standard, brings PCIe/DP/USB multi protocol reuse.
4. Manufacturer/user push:
Manufacturers: Intel (Thunderbolt open source), VESA (DP Alt Mode), USB-IF (USB4), Apple (switching to USB-C), notebook OEM (reducing the number of interfaces).
User: I hope that "one wire" can handle charging, data, and video output, reducing the complexity of adapters/cables.

二、 Future development direction
1. USB-C becomes the only physical interface
Laptops/tablets/phones are almost entirely switched to USB-C.
Lightning has been phased out, and HDMI/DP large interfaces are gradually weakening in consumer electronics.
2. USB4/Thunderbolt Fusion Protocol
USB4 v2.0= 80/120 Gbps， It can already meet the requirements of 8K/10K display and VR/AR bandwidth.
CXL/PCIe over USB-C may become the mainstream interface for future docking stations/external graphics cards.
3. Residual roles of HDMI/DP/
HDMI: It has long existed in consumer audio and video scenes such as TV/set-top boxes/home theaters due to its deep industry ecosystem.
DP: Professional monitors/graphics cards continue to exist, but most high-end graphics cards/monitors will provide additional USB-C/DP Alt Mode.

Future users are more likely to use only one USB-C/USB4 cable: power supply+video+data+network.
DP/HDMI will shift more towards the "adapter role" (USB-C → HDMI/DP adapter) rather than direct interface.

三、 Future application prospects
HDMI: TV/Video Interface → Persists in Consumer Electronics, Marginalization in PC Field.

DP: PC/professional display interface → fully compatible with USB-C.

Lighting: Apple proprietary interface → gradually disappearing.
USB4: Unified interface that absorbs Thunderbolt and DP, becoming the mainstay of future PC/mobile devices.
Trend driven: Intel (Thunderbolt open source), VESA (DP Alt Mode), USB-IF, Apple (EU regulations), and strong user demand for "One Wire Communication".

Future pattern: USB4/USB-C physical interface as the core, HDMI/DP gradually becomes the "compatibility/adapter role"

In summary, the integration of USB and display interfaces is changing the way personal electronic products are connected. The combination of DisplayPort Alt Mode and the high bandwidth and power capabilities provided by USB4 v2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 makes USB C the most likely video interface to unify various devices in the future. Although HDMI continues to upgrade in the home entertainment field, its position in mobile computing devices will gradually be replaced by DP Alt Mode due to the lack of an equivalent alternative mode on USB C. In the coming years, we are expected to see laptops, monitors, gaming consoles, and even car cockpits seamlessly connect data, video, and power through USB C interfaces