Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Macbook 12inch to thunderbolt display?

How do you connect the USC Macbook 12 inch to an Apple Thunderbolt Display?

MacBook, iOS 8.3

Posted on Apr 29, 2015 3:48 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jun 17, 2017 11:33 AM

Short answer: Thunderbolt displays - any generation - are not supported by the 12" MacBook. You must use an Apple computer that contains Thunderbolt hardware within it, which the 12" MacBook does not have.


Longer answer: I actually tried this in the spring of 2017 with a variety of adapters with one of the techs at a local Apple Store with just about all the (Apple-supported) adapters they had onhand that would mechanically fit the Thunderbolt 2 display. With every single adapter, we got a message on the 12" MacBook that we connected an unsupported display. Same thing happened with the newer Thunderbolt monitors produced by LG for Thunderbolt 3.


Conclusion: Even though Thunderbolt 3 connections are the same fit as USB-C (or that Thunderbolt 2 connections are the same fit as mDP) Thunderbolt displays will not work with those ports unless they are explicitly specified as Thunderbolt ports on the computer, meaning the computer contains the necessary hardware within it to make it work with Thunderbolt devices, including Thunderbolt displays.


This means that you have 3 options:

  1. You can get a third-party USB-C (non-Thunderbolt - this is important) docking station and a third-party HDMI display, both together comparable to the cost of the Apple-endorsed LG Thunderbolt displays. The USB-C (non-Thunderbolt) dock and HDMI display will work with the 12" MacBook, though I haven't had a chance to test its performance.
  2. You can opt for a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or some other Apple computer with specified Thunderbolt support, which will either work with or can be adapted to work with any of the Thunderbolt displays.
  3. You can just use the 12" MacBook like an iPad Pro that runs Mac OS, which really is what Apple's designers likely had in mind when they created the 12" MacBook - a hyper-portable computer that's not really meant to be used with any computer-style connected accessories; we don't expect our iPads to dock to external displays, right?
49 replies

Apr 29, 2015 7:08 AM in response to Csound1

thanks for all the advice, however I still can't work this out.


I need a thunderbolt adapter to USB-CC - apple don't make, got that


Can I convert a thunderbolt to a HDMI then HDMI into the new "USB-C Digital AV Multipart Adapter"


OR


Thunderbolt to USB then USB female to female attached to the old Apple USB to HDMI


need it shown or spelt out very simply for me!! thanks

Apr 29, 2015 7:38 AM in response to Csound1

AFAIK, Apple Thunderbolt displays don't work with Displayport or MiniDisplaport connections, so using a USB-C to MiniDisplayport adapter won't work. He would need an Apple LED Display, they are not interchangeable.


The Apple Thunderbolt Display only works with Macs that have Thunderbolt outputs.

Apr 29, 2015 7:41 AM in response to Lanny

Lanny wrote:


AFAIK, Apple Thunderbolt displays don't work with Displayport or MiniDisplaport connections, so using a USB-C to MiniDisplayport adapter won't work. He would need an Apple LED Display, they are not interchangeable.


The Apple Thunderbolt Display only works with Macs that have Thunderbolt outputs.

Per Apple

User uploaded file


They disagree with Grane and you.


It works, Apple say so and I have used it, Grand Dukes notwithstanding.

Apr 29, 2015 7:59 AM in response to Csound1

See here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204154


1. What are the system requirements for using my Apple Thunderbolt Display in OS X?


A Thunderbolt-capable Mac (listed in question 3).

The latest software and firmware updates for Thunderbolt-capable computers listed in question 4.

Mac OS X v10.6.8 Snow Leopard or later.

Csound1, you're incorrect on this one. I have a Late 2009 MacMini with Mini-DisplayPort output, and it will definitely not work with an Apple Thunderbolt Display. It's why I had to purchase the Apple LED Display.

Apr 29, 2015 8:00 AM in response to Lanny

Lanny wrote:


This does not reference using an Apple Thunderbolt Display. It just references using a Mac with Thunderbolt outputs to devices with MiniDisplayport.

I am not at the location where I saw the display in use with a Macbook (Mac resellers store) but I will verify what I saw there later this week.

Apr 29, 2015 8:02 AM in response to jwalker.home

jwalker, I do not want to keep you in dark, but the current generation of USB-C doesn’t support the thunderbolt port on the thunderbolt display. There are no adapters made by Apple or any other company to connect both.


I am skeptical that your idea of...

Can I convert a thunderbolt to a HDMI then HDMI into the new "USB-C Digital AV Multipart Adapter"

OR

Thunderbolt to USB then USB female to female attached to the old Apple USB to HDMI


....will work. The new macbook was not at all designed to connect to the current generation of thunderbolt displays.


Please read this article that will support my claim...http://www.macworld.com/article/2894423/thunderbolted-usb-c-is-our-new-connectio n-overlord-get-used-to-it.html


Hope my suggestion will help you....

Apr 29, 2015 8:08 AM in response to Csound1

Csound1 wrote:


I am not at the location where I saw the display in use with a Macbook (Mac resellers store) but I will verify what I saw there later this week.

If you are not so sure, then why did you delete mine and OP’s post.....?? You could have posted me back to defend yourself.


You are misusing the authority given to you. You can only report the post if its not relevant or not related to the topic. I am really expecting a reply from you...

Apr 29, 2015 9:20 AM in response to Lanny

According to Intel's ThunderBolt spec versions 1 and 2 support MDP as a video protocol,(the default protocol) and Apples monitor (I'll assume) supports the latest version (1.2) of the Thunderbolt specification, what am I missing. The connectors are identical and the protocol is standard. Did Apple turn something off?

Macbook 12inch to thunderbolt display?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.