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Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published January 15, 2021
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What is Thunderbolt 3? What is the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3? What Thunderbolt 3 adapters and docks are available?
Thunderbolt 3 is a new connectivity standard from Intel that replaces Thunderbolt 2. Thunderbolt 3 provides a theoretical maximum throughput of 40 Gbps, which is double the speed of the previous standard. Thunderbolt 3 also is symmetrical and reversible. As a result, you no longer have to worry about whether or not a connector is right side up or upside down before plugging a cable into the notebook.
There seems to be a great deal of confusion about the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. No doubt this at least partially is because the ports look identical apart from the "traditional" three prong USB logo on USB-C cables and the "Lightning Bolt" logo on Thunderbolt 3 cables.
The simplest explanation is that USB-C refers to the shape of the port and Thunderbolt 3 refers to the connectivity standard. Thunderbolt 3 combines Thunderbolt, USB, DisplayPort and power via a single USB-C connector.
So, a Thunderbolt 3 device is connected to a "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro using the Thunderbolt 3 standard via a USB-C shaped port. Hardware commonly referred to as "USB-C devices" also will work with a Thunderbolt 3 port, but they will not be able to take advantage of the maximum speed provided by Thunderbolt 3 devices.
For more details, you also may find this Intel video helpful:
Intel also provides a full fledged technology overview if you want to dive deeper into the Thunderbolt 3 standard.
USB-C & Thunderbolt 3 Adapters
The full range of Apple and third-party USB-C adapters will work with the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models.
In addition to other USB-C adapters, this includes the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter (MJ1M2AM/A), Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (MJ1K2AM/A), and Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter (MJ1L2AM/A) to connect USB-A, HDMI, and VGA to compatible Apple notebooks.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter)
The "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models also support the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (MMEL2AM/A), which allows you to connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices and displays to the notebook.
Site sponsor Adorama sells all these Apple adapters.
Thunderbolt 3 Dock
If you have additional connectivity needs or would prefer the convenience of an all-in-one solution, you might also like to consider the Thunderbolt 3 14-Port Dock or Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock from site sponsor OWC.
Photo Credit: OWC, Inc. (Thunderbolt 3 Dock)
OWC's Thunderbolt 3 14-Port dock provides a microSD Card Reader, an SD Card Reader, an analog audio in/out (headphone) jack, five USB 3.1 (USB-A) ports, a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, an S/PDIF Out port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a mini DisplayPort, and a DC power connector.
Photo Credit: OWC, Inc. (Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock)
OWC's Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock provides CFast and SD card readers, three USB 3.1 (USB-A) ports, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a DisplayPort, an eSATA port, and a super-fast 10Gb Ethernet port.
These docks cost more than a single adapter and are quite a bit larger, but are vastly more useful for those who need the connectivity, as well.
Thunderbolt 3 Summary
Ultimately, Thunderbolt 3 enhances the performance of the Thunderbolt standard and combines it with the simplicity and ease-of-use of USB-C. As the standard matures and adapters become less and less necessary, it will be a welcomed improvement for the majority of users.
In the United States (and many other countries), site sponsor OWC sells their own Thunderbolt 3 Dock and Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells a variety of OWC's Thunderbolt 3 docks with fast shipping and a money back guarantee.
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