connect an M1 MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt Display

On the thunderbolt cable from the back of the monitor goes directly into the https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter adapter

I've finally used the official Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adaptor (all the non officials only work with the old LED Cinema Display) and a MagSafe 2 to USB-C adapter from Aliexpress.

Yes, it is an Apple Thunderbolt display, the 27" discontinued one, with an Apple Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter. It can charge my 2019 MBP 15. I've been doing that for a year.

Is it an Apple Thunderbolt display? The Apple display uses Thunderbolt 2, which cannot provide charging power to a laptop. Even if there is power from Thunderbolt 2, the Apple Thunderbolt 3 adapter won't pass it through.

About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support

"This adapter doesn't receive power over Thunderbolt, so you can't charge your Mac by connecting the adapter to an external Thunderbolt display or other device that delivers power over Thunderbolt."

A non-Apple Thunderbolt display with Thunderbolt 3 can provide charging power over a Thunderbolt 3 cable.

Are you using another adapter between the M1 and the Thunderbolt, in addition to the 3 to 2 adapter? I did at first, and it didn't recognize it, but as soon as I removed the second adapter, it worked great! So I use the second one now for other things including power and a back-up drive using USB-3.

Hope that helps!

Ruth

I just bought a USB-C to Thunderbolt adapter for my M1 laptop and it works just fine. Just get yourself a Thunderbolt 2 or adapter and you’ll be set. Hope that helped? Here’s my setup ;)

Thunderbolt 1 and 2 are. compatible and use the same connectors and adapters.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter

The M1 can run two displays, but only one can connect via Thunderbolt/USB-C. The second is the internal display on a laptop or iMac, or a HDMI connection on a Mac mini. There is no way for a M1 Mac to run more than one Thunderbolt Display.

Everything should work except connecting another display to the back of the Thunderbolt display.

Yes no way with the MBP M1. With older books you can use an adapter.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) - Technical Specifications

"Video Support

Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at millions of colors and:

One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz

Thunderbolt 3 digital video output

Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C

VGA, HDMI, DVI, and Thunderbolt 2 output supported using adapters (sold separately)"

That seems impossible as far as going by the technical information available on the Apple website. I currently have Thunderbolt display and Macbook pro 2013 and looking forward to upgrading to M1 soon and was wondering the same. The thunderbolt Display's 'Thunderbolt cable' only provides video/data signal which can be converted to Thunderbolt 3 via Apple adapter which again would only provide video/data signal but not power. You saying that Apple TB3>TB2 adapter is able to draw enough power from the 'Thunderbolt Display' to power your Macbook pro? If thats the case then it awesome.

Will it be possible for you to make a video on youtube showing your setup, will greatly help so many others having the display and wanting to upgrade. (i don't want to discard this all-in-one display or find something similar which doesn't exist)

As far as i know, the setup that i imagine would work is.

Display's Thunderbolt1 cable carrying Video/Data signal > Apple TB3-TB2 Adapter > Macbook pro TB3 port 1

Display's Magsafe1 Cable carrying 60watts > https://elecjet.com/products/anywatt-magsafe > Macbook pro TB3 port 2

If you have the Apple LED display with Mini DisplayPort, you can connect to Thunderbolt 3 with a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter.

https://www.uptab.com/usb-c-to-mini-displayport-adapter-4k-60hz-silver/

If you have a laptop you can power it from the display with MagSafe adapter.

https://elecjet.com/products/anywatt-magsafe

Connect the MagSafe adapter's USB-C cable to the extra port on the Uptab adapter.

I have TWO Apple Thunderbolt Displays (actually I own four of them but I'm only using two at a time) and I have successfully powered them with my 13" MacBook Pro 2018 for years now using an Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter. I just got a MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) and it will only power ONE external monitor at a time. This is a downgrade in performance. How do I solve for this problem?

Hi, with the adapter, it only works for video but not for charging. Is charging supposed to be working too?