How to run an Apple SuperDrive on a new M1 chip MacBook Pro

If you look at the photo from the Amazon link, you'll see that this little port adapter goes into the Thunderbolt 3/USB4 port on the M1 MacBook Pro so the USB-A plug from the Apple SuperDrive plugs into the adapter then into the port on the Mac so it gets the power it needs. It works great for me on my M1 MacBook Pro. I do have the Apple dongle to do the same thing (for about $20), but I wouldn't have needed to buy it in addition to these 2 port adapters.

I don't know if it makes any difference, but my Apple SuperDrive is a number of years old, not brand-new. This is the set of 2 tiny, lightweight port adapters that let it work on my M1 MacBook Pro: https://smile.amazon.com/Syntech-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook/dp/B07CVX3516 They're just $9 for 2.

Thanks for the information. It ended up that those simple port adapters I got off Amazon for $9 work well. Tiny, cheap, lightweight. :-) I did also buy the Apple dongle to go from the USB on the SuperDrive to the Thunderbolt 3/USB4 port (one of 2) on my MBP M1, but haven't tried that one yet.

The Apple SuperDrive requires about 900 milliAmps, well above the old 500 milliAmp standard for USB-A ports. Many adapters/Hubs do not supply enough power to the USB-A to run the drive.

 menu > about this Mac > (system report) > USB or appropriate interface

should report on power requirements and consumption as well as device status.

You'll need one of these: USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple.com

I'm very glad that worked for you as it does for me. I simply keep one of the two adapters on the end of the cable of my SuperDrive, ready to plug into the port on my M1 MacBook Pro.

I had this same problem. I just bought the new MacBook Pro with the M1 Chip and found that the SuperDrive does not work with the Satechi USB-C Multiport Pro adapter they gave me in the store; the disk isn't even accepted all the way in. The Superdrive I have is copyrighted 2012 on the back and has the Model No. A1379. I bought the adapter that was linked above from Amazon and it works! May take a second for your machine to pick up on the DVD but it does work! I suggest ensuring your laptop is fully charged as this accessory will most likely use a lot of power, and if not, keep your laptop plugged in. Definitely recommend :)

With theUSB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapte, It does not work. The disk keep spinning.

hmmm, my drive is new but not kinda basic. does the dvd drive plug onto both ?

Did you get it to work ? my new dvd drive just spins then ejects the dvd doesn't show up on desktop. MacBook Pro with M1 chip