Apple Vision Pro: Thunderbolt only via detours

Thunderbolt is one of the fastest and most useful ports on the entire hardware market. Not only Windows PCs, but also Apple relies on the fast and multifunctional connection. Now the technology world is puzzling over what the Apple Vision Pro might look like. Experts assume that the new mixed reality glasses could also offer Thunderbolt. However, a separate adapter may be required for this.

Apple Vision Pro with the handbrake on?

When it comes to compatibility with products from other manufacturers, Apple has never covered itself in glory. Until now, things have only been different with the iMac, MacBook etc. Older members of the Mac family could also be connected to devices from third-party manufacturers via USB-A and new models via Thunderbolt or USB-C. Recently, all new devices in the iPad and iPhone family also offer USB-C. What the connectivity of the eagerly awaited Apple Vision Pro will look like, however, still seems to be a big question mark. What is certain is that the mixed reality headset will not offer access for other peripherals ex works.

The prerequisite for this is a developer strap. This is a kind of hub and was sold by Apple to software developers in the USA. According to an article by 9to5Mac, the developer strap is apparently also an exciting extension of the headset’s connection options. After all, it should also be possible to connect it to Thunderbolt ports. Hardware hobbyists have found this out for themselves. The big advantage of the additional gadget is the fact that it is hardly noticeable. You simply replace one of the headbands with the developer strap.

Many more possibilities

If you want to take full advantage of the Developer Strap, you need to use the Mac Virtual Desktop feature. This ensures that an Ethernet connection can be established. The existing USB-C port serves as the connection. According to the data sheet, this should only offer the standard USB 2.0. However, if you connect a modern Thunderbolt 4 cable, it becomes clear that the Dev Strap offers far more possibilities. The Apple Vision Pro is displayed as a gadget with Thunderbolt 4 support. However, as of now, this cannot yet be used. However, the appropriate hardware already seems to be available.

So now it should only be up to Apple to unleash its power with a suitable software update. We can only hope that the tech giant will take this step. After all, the Vision Pro may be exciting in its current form. However, by reducing it to wireless use, the possibilities are also somewhat limited. Fast data carriers could be connected via Thunderbolt, for example. These would then take the enjoyment of high-resolution content to a new level. After all, you wouldn’t necessarily have to stream large media files.

Additional gadget for Apple Vision Pro questionable

As the name “Developer Strap” suggests, the gadget is an exclusive piece of hardware that is actually reserved for developers only. This makes it all the more unlikely that normal consumers will even have the opportunity to buy it. Added to this is the high price that Apple has already set for interested developers. After all, the 300 US dollars for software developers on the open market is likely to quickly double. Last but not least, we must not lose sight of Apple’s vision of completely wireless mixed reality glasses. After all, this is one of the most important selling points. With a Thunderbolt port and the corresponding tangle of cables, the headset would quickly lose its appeal.