Technology enthusiasts and professionals alike have been waiting for a viable alternative to Apple's pricey Thunderbolt 4 cable, and OWC has finally delivered. The company has released two new super-long active optical USB4 cables, available in lengths of nearly 10 feet (3 meters) and 15 feet (4.5 meters), offering up to 40Gbps of data throughput at a significantly lower price point than Apple's equivalent cable.

The shorter 3-meter option is priced at $98.99, while the longer 4.5-meter cable comes in at $129.99, a substantial discount compared to Apple's 3-meter 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 cable, which retails for $159. OWC's cables boast not only impressive data throughput but also provide power delivery, with the 3-meter option capable of up to 240W and the 4.5-meter cable managing 60W.

In addition to their impressive specifications, the cables feature a braided nylon cover, ensuring flexibility and durability. Although they are not Thunderbolt 4 cables, they are designed to work seamlessly with Thunderbolt 3- or 4-capable devices, including docks and hubs.

Intel guarantees Thunderbolt 4 performance at up to 2 meters over traditional copper cables, which require special technology to maintain throughput over longer distances. This is likely a contributing factor to Apple's higher pricing. While longer USB4 cables can be found at lower prices, they often compromise on data throughput, which OWC's cables avoid thanks to the electromagnetic interference immunity of fiber-optics.

It's worth noting that OWC's cables are a nod to Thunderbolt's roots as Light Peak, a fiber optic cable standard initially codeveloped by Intel and Apple. Although the companies ultimately opted for copper cables, optical data-only Thunderbolt technology continues to thrive at companies like Corning, which offers a $480 164-foot (50 meters) 5K optical display cable for those with specific high-end display needs.

In related news, OWC recently announced a $189.99 Thunderbolt 5 hub, which is now available for purchase. The hub features four Thunderbolt 5 ports, a single USB-A port, and supports three simultaneous 8K displays at 60Hz, making it an attractive option for professionals and enthusiasts requiring high-speed connectivity and display capabilities.

The release of OWC's affordable and high-performance USB4 cables marks a significant shift in the market, providing consumers with a viable alternative to Apple's pricey Thunderbolt 4 cable. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this development impacts the industry and influences future product releases.