Apple SuperDrive not working with new iMac24

as Keith Barkley has explained, your hub needs to be a higher power delivery hub. but alternately, you could connect the apple superdrive directly to the Mac with an USB-C to USB Adapter.

Your Apple SD should work with your iMac. Use a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Do not use a hub. It must be connected directly to the Mac.

As tbirdvet explained, the SuperDrvie does not work connected to a hub. It must be connected to a port on the iMac itself. This has always been the case since day one of its existence. Other DVD drives may work, the SuperDrive does not.

jeffreythefrog wrote:

sorry, I was mistaken about a powered hub. I have assumed that a powered hub would work. but I just tested that theory by unplugging my superdrive from my iMac and plugging it into my powered hub. it would not work that way.

Many have chucked the SuperDrive because of this limitation. Why Apple locked it to a Mac port is a mystery but they have their reasons.

Use a higher power hub or adapter. My OWC dock specifically has high power ports.

Besides the adapter already linked it will also work with…

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple

sorry, I was mistaken about a powered hub. I have assumed that a powered hub would work. but I just tested that theory by unplugging my superdrive from my iMac and plugging it into my powered hub. it would not work that way.

I really wouldn't think it was a decision to make it incompatible with a hub. I think it's more because of how much electronics and their circuitry have changed since they started manufacturing the superdrive a decade ago. but if that limitation was always the case since the beginning, then maybe it was a choice. but honestly, I just don't know.

Won't it work with a Dock, though?

of that I'm unsure. but I would have to say likely, no.

Keith Barkley wrote:

Won't it work with a Dock, though?

Nope.