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Hello, I am setting up my Studio Display with my 16” M1 Max MacBook Pro. I want to get a thunderbolt dock like the Caldigit TS3 Plus or something similar. Since the display and those docks both charge the computer, could I plug the dock into a USB C port on the display and use it without doing any harm to my Mac or the Studio Display?
Studio Display
I just upgraded to Apple Studio Monitor with current M1 Pro / Caldigit TS3+ dock.
The only solution I have found is to plug the ASM directly into a port on my Macbook and then connect the dock to a second port on my MacBook. All of my accessories are connected to the TS3+ which I also use for ethernet.
I'm not crazy about using two cables...but it's OK.
I tried connecting the TS3+ to one of the USB C ports but got an error message "Device not supported - connect to a Thunderbolt port on your computer" - or something like that....
I have emailed Caldigit but no response yet.
I have two ASMs - one each at my work / home office so I am going to try to the new Caldigit Element Thunderbolt Dock there.
I just upgraded to Apple Studio Monitor with current M1 Pro / Caldigit TS3+ dock.
The only solution I have found is to plug the ASM directly into a port on my Macbook and then connect the dock to a second port on my MacBook. All of my accessories are connected to the TS3+ which I also use for ethernet.
I'm not crazy about using two cables...but it's OK.
I tried connecting the TS3+ to one of the USB C ports but got an error message "Device not supported - connect to a Thunderbolt port on your computer" - or something like that....
I have emailed Caldigit but no response yet.
I have two ASMs - one each at my work / home office so I am going to try to the new Caldigit Element Thunderbolt Dock there.
Hello F64_cole,
Welcome to Apple Support Communities!
We want to help you learn more about the adapter. You should be able to charge accessories with the display, explained here:
"The display has one Thunderbolt port which delivers up to 96W of charge to your Mac laptop or iPad and three USB-C ports for connecting other devices and accessories."
This Apple Support page has the full details: Set up and use Apple Studio Display - Apple Support
If you have questions about that specific adapter, we suggest reaching out to the manufacturer directly for more details.
Please let us know if you have further questions.
Cheers!
Hello F64_cole,
According the manufacturer's website, the dock should support the M1 Mac: TS3 Plus | Thunderbolt 3 Dock - CalDigit
"M1/M2 based Macs only support a single display through the Thunderbolt connection."
"M1 based Mac laptops only support 1 external monitor through their Thunderbolt 3 port. Intel based Macs support 2 external monitors through their Thunderbolt 3 ports."
"Yes, you can directly connect a Thunderbolt or USB-C Type-C monitor to the spare Thunderbolt 3 ports on the TS3 Plus. Please note that the USB-C ports on the TS3 Plus are for data only."
However, it doesn't mention supporting the Studio display. For this, we'd recommend contacting the manufacturer on what may be compatible with their product: Support - CalDigit or see related information in: Contact a third-party vendor
Wishing you well, take care.
In my opinion, for best performance you should plug that BIG display directly into a ThunderBolt port on your Mac.
For best performance, you should also plug the Dock directly into a ThunderBolt port on your Mac.
Only if you are extremely limited in the number of ports available should you consider plugging these two high-performance devices one into the other, and the cost MAY be reduced throughput for attached devices.
Regarding charging from Docks and Displays:
The literature suggests the Mac will use the BEST charging source.
User anecdotes suggest it will use the FIRST-detected charging source, as long as its not pathetic.
Simultaneous charging from multiple sources is very complex, and is unlikely to be supported, ever.
Thanks so much for the help! This was a super helpful answer. I'm still seeing how I use the Studio Display in my everyday life. The three USB C ports on the back of the monitor might be enough for my needs. But good to know someone else has been dealing with the same question. Thanks again!
Your reply is absolutely useless and you clearly didn’t read my question correctly. I understand what a usb c port is. How do I use a thunderbolt dock with my computer and the display?
Studio Display and Thunderbolt Docks
