PCI-SIG has officially launched the PCIe 7.0 specification, accompanied by supplementary revisions to the PCIe 6.4 and 7.0 standards. A groundbreaking optical-aware retimer solution has been introduced, marking the first industry-standard method for deploying PCIe technology over optical fibers. This development facilitates the seamless integration of diverse optical technologies, broadens the scope of applications, and refines data mapping and implementation strategies. It is anticipated that artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and cloud data centers will spearhead the adoption of this technology, with various niche sectors poised to witness pioneering use cases in the near future.