Can you show me some pictures of the proper cables for USB 3 and Thunderbolt / USB 4? I am confused on which cable to us that will optimize the Input and Output of data.

USB-C is a connector scheme.

Different communications schemes can operate over a USB-C connector; what we all think of as USB, as well as Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, and Power Delivery are all possible. (Though a specific USB-C connection port may or will support only some of these, or might well support other communications schemes. Again, USB-C is more of a connector spec, and not a what-a-particular-USB-C-connector-might-provide or a what-goes-over-the-connected-cable spec.)

USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB 3.2 are all data-transfer and communications scheme, and USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 can use USB-C, USB-A, and USB-B connectors. (Older USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 can probably also use USB-C, but ~nobody is doing that with their hardware.)

USB4 requires the USB-C connector, and requires some form of Power Delivery.

USB-C cables are (usually) marked with tiny icons.

For fastest transfer, Thunderbolt is useful.

A passive Thunderbolt cable with USB-C connectors is also a USB 3.0/3.1/3.2-capable connection, with USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 speeds, depending on the host computer ‘behind” the USB-C connector.

There isn’t really a USB 4.0 communications scheme, either. The USB4 spec unites a bunch of different interconnection schemes that used to be optional behind a consistent connector with optional stuff.

Yes, it’s all confusing.

When in doubt, a passive Thunderbolt cable with USB-C connectors is probably what you want.

Thunderbolt cables have a USB-C connector but are marked with a lightning bolt. That would be the fastest connection.

That's a USB-C to Lightning charging and data cable for any recent iPhone, and for various recent models of iPad.

That's a USB connection with Power Delivery, and not Thunderbolt, for cost and compatibility reasons.

I'd suggest using hook-and-loop straps for wrapping cables, and not metal with edges, too. (example)

tbirdvet wrote:

Not thunderbolt because no markings. It does look like a lightening cable but why would they give you that

Charging and using-while-wired connections to an included wireless keyboard or trackpad, most likely.

That is USB-C to Lightning, for iPhone/iPad charging and sync and keyboard/mouse/trackpad charging and use.

Thunderbolt cables are marked with the Thunderbolt symbol.

Not thunderbolt because no markings. It does look like a lightening cable but why would they give you that

Correct, i forgot about that.