New (2017) Superdrive does not work on new (Dec 2016) MacBook Pro

Thanks for the idea on the work around. I have an old Mac with a drive that I can pull out and use.

But, that is not really the point here. I am not looking for a work around, or to go and buy some other kit that is not Apple - when I have already paid Apple for a "Superdrive"...

Apple have made a mess here changing the ports and not allowing them to power the superdrive.

An apology from Apple would be a good start, but that is hardly likely.

I've had the same problem... The issue is a bit obscure and clearly even the Apple sales people aren't completely up on this topic. As others have said the SuperDrive requires more power than is available through standard USB ports. So Apple prevents it from working without a "direct" connection. So that means even your typical USB-C to USB-A style hubs will not work.

I believe someone here has claimed that Apple's USB-C to USB-A cable will work. I have not tested it, but it certainly has the highest chance of working:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter

You can find more info on Apple's support page:

Mac computers that can use the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support

A USB hub with external power should theoretically work. However, I have confirmed that OS X still blocks this as it cannot know that your hub has extra power. One solution may be to try some of these old tricks to tweak OS X to support this:

http://www.mnott.de/how-to-run-a-superdrive-on-a-usb-hub/

However, I have not tested this first-hand either.

Apple is clearly abandoning spinning disk technologies, which I can't really fault them for. But overall it's kinda dumb when all you want to do is rip a CD you purchased at a concert or whatever. On the other hand if you're just looking for a CD/DVD reader, you can find them for $25 on Amazon.

Well the Apple Superdrive, does work with the Touch Bar, but as you discribe only with direct USB-C to USB-A cable. But I do believe that it should be clarified on "Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple" that you can't use a usb-hub but need a cable. But thanks for the information, it helped me to get he superdrive running!

yes I've had the same experience, having just purchased a 2017 MacBook to replace my 2010 MacBook Air. If it isn't bad enough having to buy an adapter to have USB functionality, this is pretty poor practice by Apple and frankly I wouldn't have bought the new machine had I known. Very disappointing, Apple.

The Superdrive will work actually with the Touchbar models.

I was having same issues. Tried running it through the Hyperdrive adapters with multiple ports - no go. Tried running it off some external monitor USB ports - no go. Issue was always power.

Had read the link that another answer refers to stating that need a direct connection basically with Apple peddling their "direct" USB-C to USB-A convertor.

I happened to have a USB-C to A convertor that came with my Samsung phone. Plugged it in. Bingo.

So I think as long as you have a "direct" connection then the USB-C port will supply power.

Good luck.

I'm affraid this is not true, when you Connect the Super Drive to the MacBook or MacBook Pro USB-C and then you turn them ON, it will work fine even if you use an Apple USB-C Hub (generics won't work even with external power supply).

Restarting my computer cleared the problem. Now the Superdrive has power and works. I just bought a new MacBook Pro before Christmas 2017 following the death of my iMac. My Superdrive was new in 2013.

OMG!!! I tried 2 multi-hubs to USB-C but received the "powered" error. So I bought a 3rd hub, this time it was powered and that didn't work. Only after buying 3 hubs did I come to Apple Support, and when I used my Apple single USB-A to USB-C adapter, it worked right away!!!! Now I am both happy and annoyed. Thanks Obama! #thanksobama

Hi! I had the same problem. I spoke with Technical support twice. I rebooted the MBPro, zapped the PRAM, upgraded the Operating System. Finally, a supervisor figured it out. I had the Superdrive upside down!

It could be that simple.

According to Apple, it does, you just need the Apple-branded adapter and connect it directly to the MBP.

Mac computers that can use the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support

Yes, just pulled out superdrive to add some music this morning from a very old CD - what a feckup Apple.

Hi,

A workaround would be to create the file, copy it to a Mac with a built in optical drive, or one that is compatible with the Super Drive.

lesliegilmour wrote:

An apology from Apple would be a good start, but that is hardly likely.

That is the penultimate understatement. 🙂

I'm just curious: have you tried to use an adapter that convert USB-C to a USB-A hub? I see many of them on the market since the launch of Macbook Pro late-2016.