Which version of Thunderbolt has the same connector as USB-C but with a thunder symbol?

The answer is Thunderbolt 3 and 4, which both utilize the USB-C connector. This design choice allows for compatibility with USB-C devices while also supporting additional features unique to Thunderbolt. The distinguishing factor here is the presence of the lightning bolt symbol next to the USB-C connector, indicating that the port supports Thunderbolt technology.

Thunderbolt 3 introduced major advancements, including increased data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and the ability to daisy-chain multiple devices. Thunderbolt 4 maintains these features while ensuring a certain baseline performance and compatibility with various devices. The shared use of the USB-C connector for these versions enhances user convenience, as it simplifies connectivity with various devices, including monitors, external drives, and docks.

The other versions listed—Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, and MiniDP—do not use the USB-C connector. Thunderbolt 1 and 2 used a different connector, requiring a Mini DisplayPort interface, which does not provide the same level of versatility as the USB-C form factor. Therefore, recognizing the unique characteristics of Thunderbolt 3 and 4 in relation to their compatibility with USB-C is key to understanding this question.