- All the ports are both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. Think of the USB-C connector kind of like a duplex.
- Curiously, there’s no audio In or Out ports on the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock. In comparison, the Caldigit TS3 Plus has front-facing 3.5mm Audio In & Out ports and even a Digital Optical Audio.
Apple's 12in MacBook features one 5Gbps Gen 1 USB-C port, while the latest MacBook Air (2018 and later) and MacBook Pro (from 2016) boast either two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports. MacBook Pro Docking Station - 4K@60Hz Triple Display 9 in 2 Multiport Laptop Docking Station Compatible for MacBook Pro/Air Thunderbolt 3 (Dual HDMI 100W PD3.0 2USB SD/TF RJ45) 4.6 out of 5 stars 521 $65.99 $ 65.
This article refers to Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2. You can learn more about Thunderbolt 3 and the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter for MacBook Pro (2016 and later) and iMac (2017).
Thunderbolt adapters are supported on the following Mac computers:
- MacBook Pro (2011 through 2015)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2011 and later)
- Mac mini (Mid 2011 and later)
- iMac (Mid 2011 through 2015)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
Use these guides to identify your Mac computer:
Apple Thunderbolt cable (0.5 m)
Part Number MD862ZM/A
Apple Thunderbolt cable (0.5 m)
Part Number MF640ZM/A
Apple Thunderbolt cable (2 m)
Part Number MC913ZM/A
Apple Thunderbolt cable (2 m)
Part Number MF639ZM/A
Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Part Number MD463ZM/A
Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter
Part Number MD464ZM/A
Learn more
For best performance, make sure that you've installed all available macOS software and firmware updates. You can check by choosing App Store from the Apple () menu, then clicking Updates.
Get more information on Thunderbolt and Apple Thunderbolt cables and adapters:
Information about these and other types of Mac ports is in the specifications for your Mac: Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications. Or check your Mac user guide.
Thunderbolt 3
Use Thunderbolt 3 with displays and other devices that connect using either a Thunderbolt 3 cable or USB-C cable. You can also connect a USB-C power adapter and cable to charge your notebook computer. If you have a device that doesn't connect to this port, you might be able to use an adapter to connect it.
These Mac models have Thunderbolt 3 ports:
- MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 or later
- MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later
- iMac introduced in 2017 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac mini introduced in 2018
- Mac Pro introduced in 2019
If your Mac notebook or desktop computer has more than one port like this, each port supports ThunderBolt 3 and USB-C.
USB-C
Use USB-C with displays and other devices that connect using a USB-C cable. You can also connect a USB-C power adapter and cable to charge your notebook computer. If you have a device that doesn't connect to this port, you might be able to use an adapter to connect it.
MacBook models introduced in 2015 or later have a single USB-C port. This port doesn't support Thunderbolt devices.
If your Mac has only one port like this, it's a MacBook that supports USB-C but not Thunderbolt.
Thunderbolt
Use Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 with displays and other devices that connect using a Thunderbolt cable.
These Mac models have Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports:
- MacBook Pro introduced in 2011 through 2015
- MacBook Air introduced in 2011 through 2017
- Mac mini introduced in 2011 through 2014
- iMac introduced in 2011 through 2015
- Mac Pro introduced in 2013
Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort . They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port. However, this port does support Mini DisplayPort for video output, so you can use a Mini DisplayPort cable to connect a Mini DisplayPort display.
Mini DisplayPort
Use Mini DisplayPort with displays that connect using a Mini DisplayPort cable.
These Mac models have Mini DisplayPort:
- MacBook Pro introduced in late 2008 through 2010
- MacBook Air introduced in late 2008 through 2010
- Mac mini introduced in 2009 and 2010
- iMac introduced in 2009 and 2010
- Mac Pro introduced in 2009 through 2012
Mini DisplayPort is not the same as Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 . They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port.
USB-A
Use USB-A with devices that connect using a USB cable. USB ports are sometimes known by the USB specification of the port, such as USB 2 or USB 3.
Thunderbolt Port For Macbook Pro
Left to right: power, two Thunderbolt, USB-A, and Audio-Out.
HDMI
Use HDMI with displays and TVs that connect using an HDMI cable.
Ethernet
Use Ethernet with networks and devices that connect using an Ethernet (RJ45) cable.
FireWire
Use FireWire with devices that connect using a FireWire 400 or FireWire 800 cable.
SD card
Use the SD card slot with SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, and UHS-II media cards, such as those used by digital cameras.
Audio
Use Audio-Out — or — with headphones, speakers, and other audio-output devices that connect using an audio cable that has a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) audio jack.
Use Audio-In with a microphone or other audio-input device that connects using an audio cable that has a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) audio jack.
Power
How To Use Thunderbolt Ports
Use the power port , if available, to connect your computer to AC power using a MagSafe cable or adapter. This port isn't available on newer Mac notebook computers, which use Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C for power and charging. Learn more about power adapters and cables for Mac notebook computers.
Thunderbolt Port For Mac Pro 2017
Learn more