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USB-C and Thunderbolt Display Connectivity

I attempted to get a clear answer to my below question by chatting with a few Apple Store reps on the website... Nobody had a clear answer. Hence, I was told to turn to this forum and pose my question.

Will the newly released Macbook which only contains the USB-C connector function with existing Apple Thunderbolt Displays? I currently use my Macbook Pro Retina laptop with the Thunderbolt display and cannot live without this functionality... It is simply too convenient to give up.

Although video and audio may be able to connect to the Thunderbolt Display through adapters, what happens to the Macbook's power supply? Is it possible to have video, audio, AND power flow through the single USB-C connector? Otherwise, the Macbook would only be capable of connecting with the Thunderbolt Display while running off of Batter power.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to any categorical responses to the above!

MacBook

Posted on Mar 9, 2015 7:00 PM

59 replies

Csound1

Level 9

59,985 points

Sep 17, 2015 9:42 AM in response to mattthi

mattthi wrote:

Absolutely. And it would be huge mistake to consider USB-C a replacement for Thunderbolt in upcoming MBP versions.

Why?

Csound1

Level 9

59,985 points

Sep 17, 2015 9:44 AM in response to ckahn

ckahn wrote:

So is this the end of the line for the Thunderbolt Display?

Who can tell, but I do think it s the beginning of the end for the Thunderbolt port.

Csound1

Level 9

59,985 points

Sep 17, 2015 9:45 AM in response to Magpie7

Magpie7 wrote:

I've been thinking about this issue too. Would this work? Connect a Mini Display port to VGA connector to the Thunderbolt display. Connect a USB-C VGA Multi port connector on the new 12" Macbook then a regular VGA(male) connector between the display to the Macbook. I guess you would then connect the Macbook power adapter with USB-C directly into the USB-C VGA Multi port connector which has the USB-C port. Does this make sense?

It won't work

Csound1

Level 9

59,985 points

Sep 17, 2015 9:50 AM in response to FatTito

Try it before you recommend that others spend money on it.

FatTito

Level 1

8 points

Sep 17, 2015 9:17 PM in response to FatTito

By the way, this would ONLY send the video signal, not audio or other connections such as usb, Ethernet, firewire, etc

Oct 13, 2015 4:33 AM in response to Phil0124

My main concern is about what will they do on the new 2016 MacBook Pro.

I'm currently a owner of a MacBook Air that I use with Apple's own 27'' Thunderbolt Display, bought less than 1yr ago.

I'm on the verge to upgrade to a MacBook Pro and I'm not sure if I'll do it right away and certainly extend the life of my Thunderbolt Display or if I wait for the new 2016 models and take the risk that I may not be able to use the display with it.

There are various possible scenarios for the new 2016 MacBook Pro:

Only USB-C and no adapter - All the pro users out there with Thunderbolt Displays will be disappointed
Only the new USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 and an adapter for Thunderbolt 2 and ability to use the display
USB-C + Thunderbolt ports

What's your bet?

Dec 16, 2015 1:59 PM in response to Wonderm00n

MMaybe a second USB-c port?

I Currently connect my 24" Apple Cinema Display (the one with the triple headed connector that includes USB, MagSafe and Mimi DisplayPort) to my retina MacBook Pro using the MBP's thunderbolt 2 port for the MDP head, the USB port for the USB head, and then plug the MBP'S own MagSafe connector into its power connection, leaving the display's monitor dangling. So does that mean if there were a hub that accepted the new Macbook's single USB-c charger cable and also had both a USB-a and either MDP or thunderbolt 2 port, I could use my ACD with the new MacBook? If so, does anyone now make such a hub?

Dec 16, 2015 2:42 PM in response to Brett Campbell

You can't go from USB-C to Thunderbolt. The Conversion is simply not possible, since Thunderbolt is a special type of Data and video channel.

OWC is working on a multi port Hub for the USB-C port of the MacBook, though it does not have MDP or Thunderbolt port, it does have an HDMI port.

https://eshop.macsales.com/preorder/OWC-USB-C-Dock/

Mar 4, 2016 8:55 AM in response to Phil0124

My issue with the two docks mentioned above is they don't make use of the displays magsafe power cable. So you still need an adaptor for that, e.g. this one I just found:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Magsafe-Female-TO-USB-C-USB-3-1-Type-C-Male-Power -Converter-Cable-for-Apple/32396285915.html

update: sounds like it doesn't even work:

http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/how-about-a-magsafe-to-usb-c-converter.18779 07/

Craig BB

Level 1

4 points

Mar 23, 2016 8:16 PM in response to cls Australia

totally agree. I wouldn't have wasted half a day on this.

Coachr01

Level 1

8 points

Sep 21, 2016 5:08 PM in response to RodDrury

I agree I have been a loyal Apple fan with over 30 product purchases from them and this is the first year I'm reconsidering remaining loyal. I too have a 12" MB to compliment my MBP and I'm frustrated that I can't connect it to one of my Thunderbolt displays either. ARGH

Oct 28, 2016 7:37 AM in response to TimSportschuetz

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-ada pter

"The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro."

Sean1234

Level 1

4 points

Oct 31, 2016 6:55 PM in response to bellringer79

That's half the answer. If they had also released a magsafe1 to USB-C adapter it sure would have made all these $1000 TB Displays we have a lot nicer to continue using. Would love to upgrade to 5k video, but certainly not going to replace 20+ TB Displays with that overpriced black plastic 27" LG monitor.

Nov 3, 2016 2:12 AM in response to TimSportschuetz

I purchased the new Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. When I plug my MacBook 12" into my Thunderbolt display, I get the message "Cannot Use Thunderbolt Accessory: Thunderbolt accessories are not supported on this Mac."

Nov 3, 2016 5:02 AM in response to kathyschrock

The MacBook (not MacBook Pro) does not have Thunderbolt. It uses the same connector, but it supports a display, USB, and charging only.

There is no way to use Thunderbolt devices with that computer.

USB-C and Thunderbolt Display Connectivity