The new MacBook Pro comes with two or four external ports, depending on the model you pick. And the new MacBook Air has a pair of ports. But those ports are only of one type: Thunderbolt 3, which is compatible with USB-C. But you probably have devices that use USB-A, Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, DisplayPort, HDMI, or something else. How do you connect these devices?
With an adapter. If you’re planning to buy a new MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, make sure you set aside a considerable amount of cash for the adapters you need.
Apple doesn’t include any in the box, except for a power adapter. Your best bet is to get a combination dock, like the Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter ($60 on ). It connects to the MacBook Pro via USB-C, and includes a USB-C pass-through port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port with 4K (30Hz) support. With this, you don’t have to carry around multiple adapters.
Mentioned in this article. If you don’t want a dock, or you can’t find a dock with the mix of connections you need, Apple or another company probably has an adapter for you.
We’ve come up with this guide to help you sort out what you need, and we link to the appropriate adapter in the online Apple Store or on Amazon. You can also use the quick link list below to jump to the info you need. How to connect:. Be sure to check the return policies; sometimes adapters from third-parties don’t work. Read user reviews whenever possible, and read the specifications to make sure the adapter can do what you need it to do. If there’s a connection we missed, or you have advice on what adapters to buy, let us know on.
Great slick hub for my Macbook Pro!This adapter works well except I cannot run the Mac external DVD drive on the USB port, but if I remove it and use the Mac. This USB-C multiport adapter with HDMI lets you add vital connections to your MacBook or Windows laptop, through a single USB-C port.For maximum productivity, connect your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 laptop to a 4K 30Hz monitor, using this USB-C to 4K HDMI adapter. Overall, this Pioneer USB-C Multiport Adapter is a viable choice for mobile connectivity. I work remotely a lot and need to have the option for multiple types of connections. This lightweight, powerful connection tool makes it possible to connect without a lot of hassle.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability of products updated on November 13, 2018. How to connect USB-C devices The Thunderbolt 3 ports in the MacBook Pro work with USB-C devices, which have the same connector shape. So if you want to use a USB-C device, you can just plug it into one of the Thunderbolt 3 ports. No adapter necessary.
How to connect USB-A devices USB-A is the USB connector with which you’re probably most familiar. It’s the USB connector that was on the previous MacBooks, and it’s the connector that comes on your iOS device’s sync cable in the box. (Terms like USB 3 and USB 2 refer to the speed at which data travels through the connector.) Apple Apple USB-C to USB Adapter This problem first came up when Apple released the 12-inch MacBook, which has a single USB-C port. You can get a dock, like the before-mentioned Satechi. Or you can get Apple’s $19.
Mentioned in this article. If you need to connect multiple USB-A devices, get a USB-C to USB-A hub.
Anker sells a ($16 on Amazon) that provides four USB-A ports. How to connect micro B SuperSpeed devices This connector is often used with external storage devices. You’ll need a new cable, like the $17. The name of the cable is confusing, because it could be mistaken for micro USB (see section just above).
But if you check the, you can see a clear shot of the micro B SuperSpeed connector on the cable, which is quite different from micro USB. StarTech sells the cable in black; if you really want a white cable, you’ll need to shell out $30 for at the Apple Store. How to connect an iPhone or iPad If you are still using the USB-A to Lightning (or 30-pin, if you’re using an older iOS device) cable that came with your device, you can get the mentioned above in the USB-A section.
Usb C Multiport For Macbook Pro
Don’t want an adapter? Buy a $19 from Apple.
You can get a. How to connect the Lightning EarPods As of this writing, it can’t be done.
Apple has a for connecting headphones with a 3.5mm audio plug to a Lightning-only iPhone. But what’s needed here is a female Lightning to male 3.5mm audio plug or USB-C adapter. Right now, that adapter doesn’t really exist.
(Which brings up the whole issue of.) While you wait for someone to make a reliable adapter that supports audio, you’ll have to use another pair of headphones. How to connect headphones with a 3.5mm headphone plug You’re in luck.
The MacBook Pro comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. That was easy. Apple The MacBook Pro actually has a headphone jack. Really, it does. Mentioned in this article. Now, say you need a second headphone jack.
You can use a splitter, like the Belkin Speaker and Headphone 3.5 mm AUX Audio Cable Splitter ($5 on ). Or you can use a USB-C to headphone adapter, like this Motorola one, or you can get the $12.
If you need multiple headphone jacks, the $14 plugs into the headphone jack and adds five jacks. How to connect Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 devices Older versions of Thunderbolt have a different connector than Thunderbolt 3.
The adapter you need is Apple’s $49. Apple Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter At least this adapter is bi-directional. That means you can use it to connect a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2 port on an older Mac. How to connect an external display This one can eat up a chunk of your budget, because there are so many different types of display connectors. Be prepared to buy several adapters.
DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort To connect to a DisplayPort display, you need a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or adapter. Amazon sells the.