OWC Unleashes Full Thunderbolt 5 Ecosystem at CES 2026

WOODSTOCK, IL – December 29, 2025 – Other World Computing (OWC), a long-standing name in high-performance accessories for creative professionals, is set to make a significant splash at CES 2026 with a comprehensive suite of new products built around the next-generation Thunderbolt 5 connectivity standard. The announcements signal a major push to eliminate workflow bottlenecks for video editors, photographers, and other power users, showcasing not just faster hardware but a strategic move into collaborative software.

The lineup, scheduled for demonstration at exclusive media events in Las Vegas, includes the OWC StudioStack, a formidable hybrid storage solution for Mac Studio and Mac mini users; a powerful Thunderbolt 5 Dual 10GbE Network Dock; a much-anticipated 2-meter certified Thunderbolt 5 cable; and a look at the innovative Strada Peer-to-Peer Collaboration Platform. Together, these products represent one of the first complete ecosystems designed to harness the full potential of Thunderbolt 5, promising to redefine speed and efficiency in professional environments.

The Thunderbolt 5 Leap Forward

At the heart of OWC’s new lineup is Thunderbolt 5. Officially detailed by Intel in late 2023, the standard represents a monumental leap in data transfer capabilities. It doubles the bi-directional bandwidth of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 4, to a staggering 80 Gbps. More critically for video professionals, a feature called "Bandwidth Boost" allows the interface to dynamically allocate up to 120 Gbps for video streams, a threefold increase that can support multiple 8K displays or ultra-high-refresh-rate monitors from a single port.

This new standard also doubles the PCI Express data throughput, enabling external storage and other peripherals to perform at speeds previously reserved for internal components. With support for up to 240W of power delivery, Thunderbolt 5 is not just about data; it’s a unified solution for high-speed connectivity, multi-display setups, and robust device charging, all through the familiar USB-C connector. OWC's CES 2026 showcase is one of the first major real-world deployments of this technology across a family of products, moving it from a specification on paper to a tangible tool for creators.

A Storage Powerhouse for the Mac Desktop

Leading the hardware announcements is the OWC StudioStack, a device meticulously engineered to solve the storage dilemma for Mac Studio and Mac mini owners. These compact but powerful machines have limited internal upgrade options, creating a need for external solutions that don't compromise on speed or aesthetics. The StudioStack addresses this directly, designed with an aircraft-grade aluminum enclosure that shares the exact footprint of a Mac Studio or Mac mini, allowing it to nestle perfectly underneath.

Inside, it offers a versatile hybrid storage architecture. It combines a user-upgradable NVMe M.2 SSD slot, capable of housing up to 8TB of blazing-fast solid-state storage, with a 3.5-inch SATA bay that can accommodate up to a 24TB hard drive. This allows professionals to use the SSD for active projects and as a scratch disk, achieving real-world speeds of up to 6302MB/s, a figure that rivals or even exceeds the internal drives of some Mac Studio configurations. The massive HDD bay serves as an ideal archive for completed projects, extensive photo libraries, or media assets.

Beyond storage, the StudioStack is also a full-fledged Thunderbolt 5 hub, featuring three 80Gb/s Thunderbolt 5 ports and three 10Gb/s USB-A ports. This massive expansion of connectivity allows users to build out complex daisy chains of high-speed devices and displays without sacrificing performance. An intelligent adaptive fan ensures the unit remains cool and near-silent during operation, a crucial feature for audio and video professionals who require a quiet working environment.

Breaking Network and Cable Constraints

For professionals working with network-attached storage (NAS) or in complex multi-network environments, OWC is introducing the Thunderbolt 5 Dual 10GbE Network Dock. This device transforms a laptop or compact desktop into a networking powerhouse. It features two fully independent 10Gb/s Ethernet ports, which can be combined using link aggregation to achieve a staggering 20Gb/s connection to a NAS. A third, front-facing 2.5Gb/s Ethernet port adds further versatility for connecting to a separate network or device.

This dock is a problem-solver for workflows that were previously cumbersome, allowing editors to pull massive 4K or 8K video files from a central server at extreme speeds. The fanless aluminum enclosure ensures silent operation, while three additional Thunderbolt 5 ports and four USB 10Gb/s ports provide ample connectivity for other peripherals, turning a single cable into a complete workstation I/O solution.

Addressing a more practical but equally persistent frustration, OWC will also debut a fully certified 2-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable. While most peripherals ship with short, restrictive cables, this longer active cable provides the flexibility to arrange workspaces logically without being tethered to a dock right next to the computer. It is certified to deliver the full Thunderbolt 5 specification, including 80Gb/s data, 120Gb/s video, and 240W power delivery, making it an essential accessory for any high-performance setup.

Beyond Hardware: A Strategic Play in Collaboration

Perhaps the most forward-looking part of OWC's CES announcement is its spotlight on the Strada Peer-to-Peer Collaboration Platform. Following a strategic investment in the software company in December 2025, OWC is showcasing how its hardware can be paired with Strada's disruptive technology to revolutionize remote video editing.

Strada challenges the dominant cloud-storage model, which often forces creative teams to endure slow uploads and downloads of terabyte-sized project files and pay recurring subscription fees. Instead, Strada’s platform enables users to securely access, share, and review large video files stored on their own local drives from anywhere in the world. Its patent-pending virtual file editing technology is a standout feature, allowing an editor to drag a video file from a remote team member's drive directly into their local editing software timeline, even in low-bandwidth situations, without first downloading the entire file.

By integrating and promoting Strada, OWC is signaling a strategic evolution from a pure hardware manufacturer to a provider of end-to-end workflow solutions. "These showcases give us a great opportunity to demonstrate how OWC continues to push the limits of performance, reliability, and flexibility," said Chris Kooistra, Vice President of Marketing at OWC, in the official announcement. "From StudioStack... to the Strada collaboration platform, we’re proud to show how OWC’s unparalleled technology solutions and strategic partnerships help creative and business professionals build faster, more capable workflows with confidence." This synergy between cutting-edge hardware and innovative software underscores a commitment to addressing the complete spectrum of challenges faced by modern creative professionals in an increasingly distributed world.