USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have grown over the last couple of years. His career started at MacUser, and he's worked for MacAddict, Mac|Life, and TechTV. If you're using a DisplayPort cable with your display, use a third-party USB-C to DisplayPort adaptor or cable, such as the Moshi USB-C to DisplayPort Cable. If you already have a USB-C to USB AdapterRemove non-product link, you can take the USB-A to USB-B cable that came with your printer and plug it into the adapter. Most consumer printers have a USB-B port. To charge an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port without one of these adaptors, you can use the, Adaptors for the Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro, Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adaptor, Learn about using external monitors with your Mac, Learn more about using the USB-C port on your iPad Pro, If you have an Apple TV connected to your TV, projector or other display, you can. The MacBook Pro actually has a headphone jack. The new MacBook Pro comes with two or four external ports, depending on the model you pick. Read our, Learn more about Macworld's Digital Edition, Must-Have USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 Adapters for your MacBook, Hands-on with the new 9.7-inch iPad, Apple’s education event: Macworld Podcast Ep. You can use your USB-C Power Adaptor and charging cable with any Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro. 598, Amazon Prime Video, tvOS 11.2, iOS 11.2 and your comments and questions: Macworld Podcast episode 585, Switching from iOS to Android, Face ID security, the KRACK Wi-Fi exploit, and your comments & questions: Macworld Podcast episode 578, 2016 MacBook review: Portable performance, Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter with Type-C Charging Port, How to connect headphones with a 3.5mm headphone plug, How to connect Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 devices, How to connect the MacBook Pro to ethernet, Cable Matters USB C Printer Cable, which has a USB-C to USB-B connection. Plug the Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter into Apple’s $49 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 AdapterRemove non-product link and then plug that into the MacBook Pro. It connects via USB-C, and includes a USB-C pass-through port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port with 4K (30Hz) support. Using the Mac Thunderbolt Display is fairly easy, but before you go ahead and start trying to connect the external Apple computer monitor, you first have to make sure that the Mac you’re trying to install it with is compatible. You can use a splitter, like the Belkin Speaker and Headphone 3.5 mm AUX Audio Cable Splitter ($6 on AmazonRemove non-product link). The name of the cable is confusing, because it could be mistaken for micro USB. If you're using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 cable or other Thunderbolt 3 cable with your display or other device, it will connect to your Mac without an adaptor. Apple doesn’t include any in the box, except for a power adapter. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. For Mac users, full Thunderbolt capability has always been present. The adaptors and cables in this article work with these Mac computers and iPad Pro devices: To find the right cable or adaptor for your Mac or iPad Pro, use the information below to identify the connector on the end of the cable coming from your display, hard drive, camera, hub or other device. Senior Editor, Many printers nowadays have wireless support, so there’s no need for a cable. But that’s not all: you can also daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt devices per Thunderbolt port on your Mac. Here is the solution: Partition the SSD as exfat. Simply connect an eSATA hard drive to the Kanex Thunderbolt adapter, and then plug into the Thunderbolt port of your Mac or PC. If you're using a USB-A cable with your device, use the Apple USB-C to USB Adaptor, the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adaptor, the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adaptor or another USB-C to USB-A adaptor to connect your device to your Mac or iPad Pro. Here’s a list of Mac PCs that have Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 ports: The new MacBook Pro has ports that are only of one type: Thunderbolt 3, which is compatible with USB-C. That means you'll need adapters. The simplest explanation is that USB-C refers to the shape of the port and Thunderbolt 3 refers to the connectivity standard. They also sell 3-foot ($19) and 10-foot ($23) versions. To connect to an ethernet network, you need an adapter like the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, which is available on AmazonRemove non-product link for $27. MagSafe was a laptop lifesaver in insetances where someone tripped over the power cable. Really, it does. The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port is available on some newer Intel-based Mac computers. Our review of the BreakSafe covers how it works with a 12-inch MacBook, but the breakaway connector should work the same way for the new MacBook Pro. However, Griffin specifically states that the cable works with the 13-inch laptop; the company doesn’t say it’s compatible with the 16-inch MacBook Pro. USB C to USB Adapter [2-Pack], USB C Male to USB A Female, Converting Thunderbolt 3 to USB 3.1/3.0/2.0, Compatible with MacBook Pro 2018/2017, Galaxy S9/S8/Tab S3, Dell XPS & All Type C Devices 4.7 out of 5 stars 32,670 The new MacBook Pro has ports that are only of one type: Thunderbolt 3, which is compatible with USB-C. That means you'll need adapters. On Mac mini (M1, 2020), you can connect a second display to the HDMI port. The new M1-equipped MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini are each equipped with two USB-C ports that support USB 4 and Thunderbolt, but as it turns out, Apple is continuing to use Thunderbolt … Sadly, there is no breakaway MagSafe connector. Compatible with Mac and Windows, simply connect your Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C™ laptop * with the included Thunderbolt 3 cable to instantly create a powerful work station. But if you shop elsewhere, you could end up with the old model. USB COMPATIBILITY Coupled with the lightning-fast Thunderbolt interface is a USB 3.0 port for universal connectivity and backwards compatibility with USB 2.0. Macworld |. Around the back are two more USB-A ports, a USB 3.1 Type-C Gen.1, an upstream Thunderbolt 3 with support for 87W power delivery, a downstream Thunderbolt 3 … The older version (model number A1621) supports HDMI 1.4. Be warned: Apple released a new version of this adapter (model number A2119) in August 2019 that supports HDMI 2.0. If you're using a mophie USB-C Cable with USB-C Connector or other USB-C cable with your device, it will connect to your Mac or iPad Pro without an adaptor. Now, say you need a second headphone jack. A, How to add a MagSafe power connector to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, Griffin Technology Griffin BreakSafe Breakaway Power Cable, Magnetic USB C Adapter 20Pins Type C Connector that is $25 on, Belkin RockStar 5-Jack Multi Headphone Audio Splitter, Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter, Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter cable, nonda USB-C to HDMI Adapter for MacBook Pro. Extend the use of your existing eSATA equipped storage units. Thunderbolt 3 lets … Contact the vendor for additional information. That's the biggest differentiator between both the … What's cool about the iSkey device is that when you don't need to charge the laptop, you can plug in a USB-C device instead of the charging cable. USB-A is the USB connector with which you’re probably most familiar. The other side is a standard USB-C connector that you plug into your MacBook. Your best bet is to get a combination dock, like the Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter ($60 on AmazonRemove non-product link). You can also get a 2-meter version for $29. We really like the Nonda USB-C to HDMI Adapter ($18 on AmazonRemove non-product link). USB … If you’re planning to buy a new MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, make sure you set aside a considerable amount of cash for the adapters you need. On the more affordable side but without the USB ports is the Simple.Fly USB-C to VGA Adapter, which is available on Amazon for $13Remove non-product link. Cable Matters has a 6-foot USB-C to DVI Adapter ($20 on AmazonRemove non-product link). If you're using a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable with a Thunderbolt display or other device, use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adaptor. But you can still add a MagSafe connector to the new 13-inch MacBook Pro. The Caldigit dock has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, five USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports, one USB 3.1 … I suppose FAT or NTFS would work as long as you format the drive differently. You’ll need a new cable, like the $15 StarTech USB C to Micro USB CableRemove non-product link. If you don’t want a dock, or you can’t find a dock with the mix of connections you need, Apple or another company probably has an adapter for you. Older versions of Thunderbolt have a different connector than Thunderbolt 3. If you're using a VGA cable with your display, use the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adaptor. It’s a squarish connector, much different from USB-A or USB-C. You need a cable like the Cable Matters USB C Printer Cable, which has a USB-C to USB-B connection. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. The $12 Belkin RockStar 5-Jack Multi Headphone Audio SplitterRemove non-product link plugs into the headphone jack and adds five jacks. The Apple Pro Display XDR and LG UltraFine 5K Display use Thunderbolt 3. I used the regular USB 3 cable, not the thunderbolt. That was easy. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port and macOS Sierra or later. Copyright © 2021 IDG Communications, Inc. About Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) and Thunderbolt / USB-4. Macworld is your best source for all things Apple. There's also the iSkey Magnetic USB C Adapter 20Pins Type C Connector that is $25 on AmazonRemove non-product link. The adapter you need is Apple’s $49 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 AdapterRemove non-product link. Cable Matters Dual Slot USB C Card Reader. Apple has a Thunderbolt to FireWire AdapterRemove non-product link for $29, but it has a older Thunderbolt connector that doesn’t plug into the Thunderbolt 3 port on a new MacBook Pro. Thunderbolt™ 3 to eSATA + USB 3.0 Adapter extends the use of your existing eSATA-equipped external storage unit. If you have a USB-A card reader, you can try using the Apple’s $19 USB-C to USB AdapterRemove non-product link, or get a USB-C dock. Or you can get Apple’s $19 USB-C to USB AdapterRemove non-product link. And the new MacBook Air has a pair of ports. But if you check the product page on StarTech’s website, you can see a clear shot of the micro B SuperSpeed connector on the cable, which is quite different from micro USB. It’s $30 on AmazonRemove non-product link.Remove non-product link This adapter has a female Lightning connector on one end, so you can plug in your Lightning earphones. With six available Thunderbolt 2 ports on the new Mac Pro, that adds up … I have solved the current problem booting external SSD from a Mac Mini M1: I looked at various threads and followed all suggestions. A 1 meter cable is $7Remove non-product link; other lengths are available. If you don’t want to spend that much, you can get an adapter that’s just a USB-C to HDMI adapter, such as Anker’s USB-C to HDMI Adapter ($13 on AmazonRemove non-product link). Thunderbolt 3 combines Thunderbolt, USB, DisplayPort and power via a single USB-C connector. So, a Thunderbolt 3 device is connected to a "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro using the Thunderbolt 3 standard via a USB-C shaped port. The Thunderbolt 3 supporting USB-C cables have the Lightning Bolt symbol on both the ports. When shopping for such adapters, look out for at least 1080p support. If you have an Apple TV connected to your TV, projector or other display, you can use AirPlay to wirelessly stream video to that display or extend the desktop of your primary display. USB C Hub HDMI Adapter,QGeeM 7 in 1 Type C Hub to HDMI 4k,3 USB 3.0 Ports,100W Power Delivery,SD/TF Card Readers Compatible with MacBook Pro 13/15(Thunderbolt 3),2018 Mac Air,Chromebook USB C Adapter 4.5 out of 5 stars 11,530 We give you the scoop on what's new, what's best and how to make the most out of the products you love. Copyright © 2021 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. In addition to a VGA to USB-C connection, it also provides a USB-A port for connecting a USB device, and a USB-C charging port to keep your laptop battery happy. You’re in luck. Don’t want an adapter? Check with the manufacturer about compatibility with your Mac and display model. Check with the manufacturer about compatibility with your Mac and display model. Set-up is easy. The MiniStation Thunderbolt portable hard drive is pre-formatted for Mac computers but can easily be reformatted for use with PCs*. This is the correct adaptor for the Apple Thunderbolt Display. Use the extra USB port to connect extra peripherals. Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Amazon sells the Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter cableRemove non-product link for $17, and it supports 4K video at 60Hz. If you're using a DVI cable with your display, use a third-party USB-C to DVI adaptor or cable. It includes an adapter that acts like a MagSafe connector. As if USB and Thunderbolt couldn’t get any more confusing with many different speeds (from 5Gbps to 40Gbps) and functions possible using the same “USB-C” connection. It’s the USB connector that was on the previous MacBooks. If not, you need an adapter to access the SD card, like the Cable Matters Dual Slot USB C Card Reader ($10 on AmazonRemove non-product link). No adapter necessary. The Nonda adapter has 4K video support. This is the correct solution for the Apple LED Cinema Display. Whew. However, t… – yurkennis Dec 13 '16 at 10:20. The new MacBook Pros have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports for charging, plugging in peripherals and connectivity. To connect a VGA display, Apple has a USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter ($69 on AmazonRemove non-product link). 5 things to know about the MacBook Pro's Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. Calm down, Mac fans. But those ports are only of one type: Thunderbolt 3, which is compatible with USB-C. You’ll probably use Wi-Fi most of the time, but using a wired ethernet connection has its advantages. Buy a $19 Lightning to USB-C CableRemove non-product link (1m) . Nothing worked. Here's a guide. This is in addition to the Thunderbolt features already standard and present. They have the same shape, but have different symbols on the cable and port. Be prepared to buy several adapters. Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. For even greater expandability, add the Kanex 4-port USB 3.0 hub and access up to 4 USB … @yurkennis okay, that makes sense. Roman has covered technology since the early 1990s. If you're using an Ethernet cable with your device, use a third-party USB-C to Ethernet adaptor, such as the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor. Ads SuperSpeed USB 3.0 As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port and macOS Sierra or later. Using Apple Thunderbolt Display. While a USB-C port and Thunderbolt 3 port look the same, Thunderbolt 3 has some extra hardware compared to the more widely-adopted USB-C. "This adapter is bidirectional, which means you can use it to connect Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac that has a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port. If you are still using the USB-A to Lightning (or 30-pin, if you’re using an older iOS device) cable that came with your device, you can get the USB-C to USB AdapterRemove non-product link mentioned above in the USB-A section. Then you plug the adapter into the laptop. To connect a display with mini DisplayPort, you need an adapter like the Belinda USB C Type to Mini DisplayPort/Mini DP Adapter Cable ($19 on Amazon). Legacy Mac systems without Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C are unfortunately the most limited, Hopefully we have helped clear up what options are available for your Apple Mac laptop, and if not please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com (or post … Anker sells a USB-C to 4-Port USB 3.0 HubRemove non-product link ($18 on Amazon) that provides four USB-A ports. Mini DisplayPort is not the same as Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 . If you're using an HDMI cable with your display, use the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adaptor or a third-party USB-C to HDMI adaptor or cable. To connect to a DisplayPort display, you need a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or adapter. Docks don’t increase the number of displays you can connect as an extended desktop. If you’re using a Mac with Apple silicon, you can connect a single external display to your Mac using one of the Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. Read user reviews whenever possible, and read the specifications to make sure the adapter can do what you need it to do. You can get a dock, like the before-mentioned Satechi. The 16-inch MacBook Pro needs more wattage than the Griffin cable is designed to handle. USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 both utilize the same reversible port, which can lead to a lot of the confusion surrounding the two protocols. To charge an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port without one of these adaptors, you can use the Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable instead. If there’s a connection we missed, or you have advice on what adapters to buy, let us know on Twitter or Facebook. Firewire To Thunderbolt 3 USB-C On iMac and other Apple computers This process is done by one of my friend who had tried to connect his MOTU 896 Firewire with his latest 2019 edition iMac. If you need to connect multiple USB-A devices, get a USB-C to USB-A hub. The Thunderbolt / USB-4 port is available on Mac computers with Apple silicon. Thunderbolt™ 3 to eSATA adds SuperSpeed USB 3.0.,"Kanex ThunderboltT 3 to eSATA + USB 3.0 Adapter. How do you connect these devices? Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort . The ports allow data transfer, video output, and charging through the same cable. It's important to know, too, that your USB-C accessories and cables will work with a Thunderbolt 3 port. If you use a DLSR or other type of stand-alone camera, it might have a way to transfer your files wirelessly. To tell the difference, Thunderbolt 3 ports, cables, and gear are typically labeled with an arrow-shaped like a lightning bolt. The power adapter that comes with the new MacBook Pro plugs into a Thunderbolt 3 port. They have the same shape, but have different symbols on the cable and port. The MacBook Pro and MacBook Air comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. But you probably have devices that use USB-A, Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, DisplayPort, HDMI, or something else. The Thunderbolt 3 ports in the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air work with USB-C devices, which have the same connector shape. What Apple did was simply call out that they now support USB 4. There’s now a USB-C to Lightning adapter, thanks to the folks at Anker. 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One of the confusion surrounding the two adapters last couple of years controlled or tested by Apple, provided!