The first HDMI 2.2 cables are now available for purchase, marked with the Ultra96 logo and capable of transferring data at speeds up to 96 gigabits per second (Gbps). This new standard was officially introduced by the HDMI Forum in June 2025. HDMI 2.2 doubles the bandwidth of its predecessor, HDMI 2.1, which had a maximum of 48 Gbps. This increase allows for high-resolution displays like 4K at 480 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz without the need for data compression. However, to achieve these speeds, users need the new Ultra96 certified cables, as older HDMI 2.1 cables are limited to 48 Gbps. The HDMI 2.2 specification can support resolutions as high as 16K, though the global shift to 4K is still in progress, and widespread adoption of higher resolutions is not expected in the near future. Rob Tobias, CEO of the HDMI Licensing Administrator, stated that the first devices compatible with HDMI 2.2—such as graphics cards, televisions, and home theater systems—are expected to be available around 2027. On the computer side, future graphics architectures from AMD (RDNA 5) and Nvidia (RTX 60) are anticipated to support HDMI 2.2, but not before the end of 2027. As of now, no consumer-grade televisions, gaming consoles, or graphics cards are capable of utilizing the full potential of HDMI 2.2, according to Videocardz. However, the new cables are backward compatible with older HDMI versions like HDMI 2.1 and earlier, meaning they can be used today without issues. These cables are primarily targeted at professionals such as installers and home theater integrators, who are preparing for future upgrades. For most consumers, there is no immediate need to upgrade, as existing HDMI 2.1 cables are more than sufficient for current needs. In the realm of computers, DisplayPort 2.1 already offers data transfer speeds up to 80 Gbps and is used in some high-end gaming monitors. This means that for many users, especially those in the gaming or professional video production fields, DisplayPort may currently be a more viable option than HDMI 2.2. The arrival of HDMI 2.2 is more of a preparatory step for the future, rather than an immediate necessity for the average consumer.