Hi --
I'm about to purchase a the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, and I'm wondering how compatible it will be with my Thunderbolt Display from 2013. It's ancient in technology years, but it's in really good condition. I'd like to avoid having to buy a new one, if possible.
Any insights are welcome.
Thanks,
John
This adapter from Apple should serve you well with your anticipated configuration ➔ Thunderbolt 2 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. Within the article it makes clear that this adapter will work on connecting Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 displays.
Axel F.
This adapter from Apple should serve you well with your anticipated configuration ➔ Thunderbolt 2 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. Within the article it makes clear that this adapter will work on connecting Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 displays.
Axel F.
Thanks for responding John & Grant; issue is now solved; my Thunderbolt Display has a bad (or at least marginal) cable. It works with my old laptop but not the new one. I tested the new laptop with my wife's TB2 display and it worked fine and that's how we were able to isolate it and prove that the laptop was ok. I used a fresh Thunderbolt 2 cable that I had on hand and plugged it into the bus on the back of the display and now I'm back in business. Didn't know you could do that. The one with the mag-safe connector is now just coiled up behind the display. Apple support was a big help in getting me there. Another clue was that Apple is not seeing any widespread issues with TB2 display connectivity and that also pointed toward my display being a unique problem. If there was a problem with the firmware, there would probably be lots of other people out there running into it.
Sorry you are having issues with the new laptop John. My migration went smoothly. I used the migration assistant and the wireless connection in my home network. Strange that it doesn't recognize the mouse or keyboard. Hope you get it solved.
Mike
Hi Mike --
The laptop arrived early evening yesterday, so I've not had much time to use it. However, after seeing your message I did connect my Thunderbolt 2 display to the MacBook Pro, and it seems to be working OK. My issues are of another nature. The new MacBook doesn't recognize the old one, so I've not been able to transfer files via wifi (I need to go buy a cable). Also, the new one doesn't recognize my Apple mouse or keyboard. All of which are super irritating.
When I'm able to it a good workout I'll report back and let you know if any display issues have cropped up.
In the meantime, I hope you're able to resolve things.
John
It should play well. On the other hand if, for any reason, it doesn't work then you can always return the adapter. Give it a shot.
Axel F.
Thanks for the quick reply, Axel. That's definitely on my list to purchase.
I should have been more specific with my question. Will the 2013 Thunderbolt Display play nice with the 2020 MacBook Pro? I assume so, but there is a seven year difference between the two.
Thanks again.
John
MikeRaftery wrote:
Hi tarvardian, Just wondering if you went ahead with your purchase? I did and I'm having issues with my Thunderbolt 2 display...
What issues?
Is this a genuine Thunderbolt Display? and are you using a genuine ThunderBolt cable? that adapter does not support displays that are "only" Mini Displayport or USB-C
Hi Mike --
Glad to hear you were able to solve your TB2 issue. I love when the solutions are simple ones. Such as with my keyboard and mouse issues. All I needed to do was turn them off then back on before attempting to pair them. The new laptop saw them immediately. Now, off to figure out my wireless migration issues!
John
That "trick" of using a discrete Thunderbolt cable plugged into the port on the display (that we think of as Thunderbolt OUTPUT) is a very important one.
That is not an intuitive solution, and would probably not occur to most Users.
As you said, it allowed you to bypass any problems in the display's captive input cable, and figure out what was actually the problem. Great work!
Hi tarvardian, Just wondering if you went ahead with your purchase? I did and I'm having issues with my Thunderbolt 2 display...
Thunderbolt Display with 2020 MacBook Pro
