Connect 2011 Cinema Display to MacBook Pro M4 Pro

I have a MC007 27" Apple LED Cinema Display Model A1316 purchased Summer 2011; it still works. Previously, it connected via Mini DisplayPort cable to my old MacBook Pro 2015. The cable split in three; the other two ends have a USB cable and a power cable. The USB cable activated the camera in the external monitor and, as I didn't need it, I never bother plugging it into the device.


Here's the spec for the external monitor / cinema display: https://support.apple.com/en-us/112620


According to https://support.apple.com/en-us/102477 , I need an adapter cable so the Mini DisplayPort (female) can connect via USB-C (male) to my new MacBook Pro M4 Pro. However, I'm not sure if the 2011 external monitor

will be compatible? I checked some online fora and it ought to work - via USB-C. I'm not sure if it would work with HDMI.


Can someone advise 1) are these two Apple devices are compatible, and 2) should I rely on USB-C ports or HDMI on my new MacBook Pro to connect the old Cinema Display using an appropriate adapter?


Hoping to extend the life of the Cinema Display as much as possible. Reduce, re-use, recycle!

Posted on Feb 26, 2026 9:07 AM

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Posted on Feb 26, 2026 9:17 AM

Yes, they are compatible. You will be of course limited to the display's 2.5K / 1440P resolution though and yes you will need an adapter.


Something like this should work:

click here ➜ Startech.com USB-C to Mini Display Port Adapter - Amazon.com


Do note: it must be specifically Mini-Display port. Thunderbolt 2 adapters like the one from Apple will not work even though they use the same connector type.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 26, 2026 9:17 AM in response to Eriahmoir

Yes, they are compatible. You will be of course limited to the display's 2.5K / 1440P resolution though and yes you will need an adapter.


Something like this should work:

click here ➜ Startech.com USB-C to Mini Display Port Adapter - Amazon.com


Do note: it must be specifically Mini-Display port. Thunderbolt 2 adapters like the one from Apple will not work even though they use the same connector type.

Connect 2011 Cinema Display to MacBook Pro M4 Pro

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