Does the M2 MacBook Air support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 over Thunderbolt/USB 4?

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Does the M2 MacBook Air support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 over Thunderbolt/USB 4?

I have an M2 MacBook Air. According to Apple's website, the USB-C ports support Thunderbolt / USB 4. I know it supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps). However, I would like to confirm if it supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, as I plan to connect an external SSD that uses this protocol.

I reached out to Apple Support, and they confirmed that it's supported. However, many online posts suggest otherwise. I wanted to double-check if anyone has tested this and can confirm. Thanks!

Posted on Apr 27, 2025 1:28 AM

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Servant of Cats

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Apr 27, 2025 5:34 AM in response to barden_k

With other Macs, people have reported that when you attach a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, things run at speeds that would be consistent with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection.

I would expect that the M2 MacBook Air does not support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 – and that should you attach a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSD, it will work, but only at a maximum of USB 3.1 Gen 2 speed.

My understanding is that USB4 defines three different, incompatible "up to 20 Gbps" USB transfer modes. A USB4 host port must implement one of the new ones, but support for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 is optional. (Optional even should a vendor support other optional, higher-speed protocols like Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 40 Gbps.). In effect, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 has been thrown under the bus.

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Does the M2 MacBook Air support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 over Thunderbolt/USB 4?

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