Connecting MacBook Pro M2 to Thunderbolt Display?

[Yuzu]

I currently have a 27" Thunderbolt Display connected to my soon-to-be-retired MacBook Pro 2015 via the integrated Thunderbolt / MagSafe IO cable, which means the MacBook is powered by the display without the need to break out the standalone MacBook charger.

I've just picked up a new MacBook Pro M2 Max but still want to use the 27" Thunderbolt Display.

Is there an integrated Thunderbolt 4 / MagSafe 3 cable that can plug directly into the back of the Thunderbolt Display or do I need to faff around with thunderbolt adaptors and separate MagSafe power leads now?

 

[Bigwaff]

You need the Apple TB3-TB2 adapter (here) for the display signal. If you want to use the MagSafe power from the TBD, you’ll need a MagSafe-USBC adapter (here).

 

[Yuzu]

The rubber casing around my integrated Thunderbolt / MagSafe IO cable i currently use is starting to split a bit.

If i was to ditch the integrated cable and instead use a separate Thunderbolt cable and the MacBooks own charger, is there a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 cable on the market? Apple only seem to do a Thunderbolt 2 cable (£40) which you then need to buy the adaptor for as well (£50) if you want it to connect to a new MacBook. That's £90 just to connect the display to my computer!?

 

[salamanderjuice]

The rubber casing around my integrated Thunderbolt / MagSafe IO cable i currently use is starting to split a bit.

If i was to ditch the integrated cable and instead use a separate Thunderbolt cable and the MacBooks own charger, is there a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 cable on the market? Apple only seem to do a Thunderbolt 2 cable (£40) which you then need to buy the adaptor for as well (£50) if you want it to connect to a new MacBook. That's £90 just to connect the display to my computer!?

I don't think the TB port on TB display can function as an input to the monitor. Just let's you daisy chain other TB devices and monitors.

 

[Yuzu]

I don't think the TB port on TB display can function as an input to the monitor. Just let's you daisy chain other TB devices and monitors.

Really?? So my only option is to use the integrated TB / Magsafe cable that came with the display and add a TB 4 adaptor?

What happens with the Magsafe cable that's attached to the TB cable then? If i power my new MacBook with its new charger then the old MagSafe cable will just be hanging loose right next to the MacBook?

 

[KenSM]

I have a 2012 Thunderbolt 27" display which I use with a variety of Apple machines via the TB3-to-TB2 adapter. Until now I have connected it using the screen's input cable, but after reading the comments above I tried connecting it using a TB-to-TB cable into the screen's TB port, and it does work – useful since my screen's input cable is frayed, like the OP's, and currently reinforced with electrical tape. But I don't use the magsafe part of the built-in cable, so I can't help with that.

 

[salamanderjuice]

I have a 2012 Thunderbolt 27" display which I use with a variety of Apple machines via the TB3-to-TB2 adapter. Until now I have connected it using the screen's input cable, but after reading the comments above I tried connecting it using a TB-to-TB cable into the screen's TB port, and it does work – useful since my screen's input cable is frayed, like the OP's, and currently reinforced with electrical tape. But I don't use the magsafe part of the built-in cable, so I can't help with that.

Interesting! Guess I was wrong there. That's neat and not something documented AFAIK.

One thing to keep in mind though is TB2 can only do like 10W power output so it's not going to charge a laptop even with an adapter.

 

[Yuzu]

I have a 2012 Thunderbolt 27" display which I use with a variety of Apple machines via the TB3-to-TB2 adapter. Until now I have connected it using the screen's input cable, but after reading the comments above I tried connecting it using a TB-to-TB cable into the screen's TB port, and it does work – useful since my screen's input cable is frayed, like the OP's, and currently reinforced with electrical tape. But I don't use the magsafe part of the built-in cable, so I can't help with that.

Do you mean a TB2-to-TB2 cable PLUS a TB3-to-TB2 adaptor?

Does anyone just do a TB3-to-TB2 cable so i can bypass having to get an adaptor as well?

 

[KenSM]

To connect to the M2 machine you will need the TB3-to-TB2 adapter in one of the TB ports. The TB display cable can either be plugged into the adapter, or, if the original cable is damaged, I now realise you can plug a Thunderbolt 0.5m cable into the back of the display at one end and the TB3-to-TB2 adapter at the other end. But you definitely need some adapter between the display's cable and any machine which d.oes not have a TB1 or TB2 port, and I guess the TB3-to-TB2 adapter is likely to be the most practical. I'm not aware of any TB3 to TB2 cable, unfortunately.

 

[Yuzu]

To connect to the M2 machine you will need the TB3-to-TB2 adapter in one of the TB ports. The TB display cable can either be plugged into the adapter, or, if the original cable is damaged, I now realise you can plug a Thunderbolt 0.5m cable into the back of the display at one end and the TB3-to-TB2 adapter at the other end. But you definitely need some adapter between the display's cable and any machine which d.oes not have a TB1 or TB2 port, and I guess the TB3-to-TB2 adapter is likely to be the most practical. I'm not aware of any TB3 to TB2 cable, unfortunately.

So a T2 cable (£30) plus a T2 to T3 adaptor (£50)? Ouch!

 

[chrfr]

So a T2 cable (£30) plus a T2 to T3 adaptor (£50)? Ouch!

Yes, there's no single adapter cable, but if your built-in cable still works, even if frayed, use it until it stops working, and at that point reevaluate if you even want to keep using that display.

 

[Yuzu]

Yes, there's no single adapter cable, but if your built-in cable still works, even if frayed, use it until it stops working, and at that point reevaluate if you even want to keep using that display.

Do i somehow need to isolate the integrated MagSafe cable though if using my built-in TB cable? If i'm powering the new MacBook via its own charger then the displays MagSafe cable will be hanging loose, emitting power but not connected to anything.

 

[chrfr]

Do i somehow need to isolate the integrated MagSafe cable though if using my built-in TB cable? If i'm powering the new MacBook via its own charger then the displays MagSafe cable will be hanging loose, emitting power but not connected to anything.

Magsafe doesn't power anything until after a secure contact with the computer has been confirmed so there's no risk.

 

[Yuzu]

Another question... if i'm only using the TB part of the original built-in display cable (octopus cable?) – with the TB adaptor fitted – and not the charging part of the cable can i still connect external harddrives to 3 USB inputs on the back of the display and have them mount on my MacBook desktop?

 

[chrfr]

Another question... if i'm only using the TB part of the original built-in display cable (octopus cable?) – with the TB adaptor fitted – and not the charging part of the cable can i still connect external harddrives to 3 USB inputs on the back of the display and have them mount on my MacBook desktop?

You can, but the USB ports on the Thunderbolt Display are only USB 2.0 so the performance will be poor. The charging connector does nothing but charge older Macs. It has no effect on any functions of the display itself.

 

[Hallstar]

I have a 2012 Thunderbolt 27" display which I use with a variety of Apple machines via the TB3-to-TB2 adapter. Until now I have connected it using the screen's input cable, but after reading the comments above I tried connecting it using a TB-to-TB cable into the screen's TB port, and it does work – useful since my screen's input cable is frayed, like the OP's, and currently reinforced with electrical tape. But I don't use the magsafe part of the built-in cable, so I can't help with that.

Do you happen to know what cable you have? Is it Apple?

I picked up a TBD at the weekend to act as a desktop monitor for my new MBA 15 and it has worked fine for the last 24 hours with an Apple TB2 to TB3 adaptor.

But early this evening it started to flicker and then went black and nothing I have been able to do has gotten it toe come back on again- at least not via my MBA 15 M2 or my partners MBA 13 M1, both connected via the intergrated cable and Apple adaptor.

But, I then tried connecting directly (without the adaptor) to a MacMini (2012) we have, and it worked. So I have a strong suspicion that the adaptor is at fault.

Either way, I have read reports of the integrated cable failing and would like to know of the best option of TB to TB cable to make a direct connection to bypass the integrated cable.

 

[KenSM]

The TB-to-TB cable was bought direct from Apple. They still sell it – but I wonder if you need it.
Regarding the TB2-to-TB3 adapter, I recall from your earlier post that you were getting it off eBay. Are you sure it’s genuine Apple? Please forgive me for saying so, but I prefer buying direct from Apple so there’s no question about its authenticity, and if faulty you can return it to them.
It could be a poor connection with the display’s cable, which is why the plug on mine is wrapped in insulating tape; but if waggling it doesn’t indicate an intermittent connection, the adapter must be suspect. As you note, it works with the original TB socket in the 2012 Mini, so it seems the display itself, and probably its cable, are fine, happily. If this is so, the TB-to-TB cable becomes irrelevant, since even if you have that you still need a working TB2-to-TB3 adapter to connect it to the newer machine. I suspect the adapter may be the problem.

 

[Hallstar]

You are right, the adaptor was purchased from eBay, but from a reputable vendor. It has not yet arrived. The adaptor I have been using and believe to be faulty is one I received with a TBD I purchased for my partners MacMini.

My logic in a TB-to-TB cable is to bypass using the integrated cable and protect it from strain/wear/fault, as currently it appears in good condition compared to that of the one built in to my partners TBD which has tape wrapped around it!

 

[xraydoc]

But early this evening it started to flicker and then went black and nothing I have been able to do has gotten it toe come back on again- at least not via my MBA 15 M2 or my partners MBA 13 M1, both connected via the intergrated cable and Apple adaptor.

But, I then tried connecting directly (without the adaptor) to a MacMini (2012) we have, and it worked. So I have a strong suspicion that the adaptor is at fault.

I have a Thunderbolt Display as well. I never use it but I have had it connected in the past. Mine does the same thing. Works for a while then stops powering on. Leaving it unplugged for a week or so will get it go again for a little while, then it needs to be unplugged again. My best guess is that there are capacitors on the power supply that are going dead. If you can figure out which ones and (safely) replace them, it would likely fix the issue.

 

[KenSM]

I have a Thunderbolt Display as well. I never use it but I have had it connected in the past. Mine does the same thing. Works for a while then stops powering on. Leaving it unplugged for a week or so will get it go again for a little while, then it needs to be unplugged again. My best guess is that there are capacitors on the power supply that are going dead. If you can figure out which ones and (safely) replace them, it would likely fix the issue.

I don't understand this. I don't for a moment contest other people's experience, but I have an old Thunderbolt display which I use all the time, attached variously to an M1 Studio or my 2019 Intel MBP 16", and it doesn't misbehave at all, and in fact integrates perfectly with my other Apple stuff, of which I have perhaps too much. Perhaps I'm simply lucky, but at present I just can't justify buying a replacement.

 

[Hallstar]

The issue I had recently was likely down to the adaptor failing as I have since replaced the adaptor and experienced no further issues.

I now have 3x TBD's and have notifications setup on FB Marketplace for any that get listed in my locale.

I have one being driven by my partners 2012 MacMini, one being driven (currently) by my MBA 15 M2 - though this is likely to become an MBP 15 M1-Pro and the third is either going to my partners office for me to hook up to when I visit/work from there, or it will become a dual-monitor display daisy-chaining for my MBP.

For the age of the displays, I think they are fantastic quality!

 

[KenSM]

The issue I had recently was likely down to the adaptor failing as I have since replaced the adaptor and experienced no further issues.

I now have 3x TBD's and have notifications setup on FB Marketplace for any that get listed in my locale.

I have one being driven by my partners 2012 MacMini, one being driven (currently) by my MBA 15 M2 - though this is likely to become an MBP 15 M1-Pro and the third is either going to my partners office for me to hook up to when I visit/work from there, or it will become a dual-monitor display daisy-chaining for my MBP.

For the age of the displays, I think they are fantastic quality!

Very pleased, and relieved, to learn your problem has been resolved. For a while I wondered if my satisfaction with this display might have led others astray.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I currently have a 27" Thunderbolt Display connected to my soon-to-be-retired MacBook Pro 2015 via the integrated Thunderbolt / MagSafe IO cable, which means the MacBook is powered by the display without the need to break out the standalone MacBook charger.

I've just picked up a new MacBook Pro M2 Max but still want to use the 27" Thunderbolt Display.

Is there an integrated Thunderbolt 4 / MagSafe 3 cable that can plug directly into the back of the Thunderbolt Display or do I need to faff around with thunderbolt adaptors and separate MagSafe power leads now?

You'll need a Thunderbolt 1/2 to Thunderbolt 3/4 adapter for data. Unless you find an adapter that goes from MagSafe 2 to MagSafe 3 (or USB-C), you're probably S.O.L. on power.

You need the Apple TB3-TB2 adapter (here) for the display signal. If you want to use the MagSafe power from the TBD, you’ll need a MagSafe-USBC adapter (here).

I had no idea that second adapter even existed! Super cool! (Though, sadly, also super unavailable. But it existed at one point!)