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Apple Cinema Display to M2 Macbook Air

Hello


I have an old Apple Cinema Display 27", Model A1316, that has three outputs that linked to my old Macbook Pro as in the attached picture; a power output (power runs through the display to the laptop), a USB A and an old Thunderbolt / Display port. My Macbook pro is now too old to update, and I've switched to an M2 Macbook Air. However I'm having trouble connecting it to the display.


M local Apple store told me I needed to use a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor (Model A1790), which I duly purchased, see picture. Connecting the display port to the USB-C port with this adaptor on the M2 Air leaves the Cinema display black. The display still works fine when connected to the older macbook pro with the original connections however. I don't intend to use the power output, which isn't compatible; I can power the M2 Air by itself.


Would anyone be able to advise if there is another type of adapter that I need to use to link the M2 Air to the Apple Cinema Display A1316 to allow the display to work?


The Apple store staff weren't sure about the USB-A connectio, possibly only to allow the USB-A ports on the back of the display to function, though not sure if it serves any other purpose?


MacBook Air, macOS 13.0

Posted on Jul 3, 2024 8:47 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 3, 2024 9:34 AM

Does the Display appear in System Settings ➜ Displays on the M2 MacBook Air?

If so, you may need to reduce the resolution and refresh rater being output to it to something it can handle, if its set too high it won't display anything.


Yes, the USB cable is just used to enable the USB ports on the display. It is not needed for anything else.


The adapter you have is the correct one for a Thunderbolt Display. However, the model number you provided (A1316) is a LED Cinema Display which is a DisplayPort display, not Thunderbolt, and the Thunderbolt Adapter you show does not support that.


You would need something like the folllwing:

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Mini-DisplayPort Adapter - Amazon.com

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 3, 2024 9:34 AM in response to Ovate

Does the Display appear in System Settings ➜ Displays on the M2 MacBook Air?

If so, you may need to reduce the resolution and refresh rater being output to it to something it can handle, if its set too high it won't display anything.


Yes, the USB cable is just used to enable the USB ports on the display. It is not needed for anything else.


The adapter you have is the correct one for a Thunderbolt Display. However, the model number you provided (A1316) is a LED Cinema Display which is a DisplayPort display, not Thunderbolt, and the Thunderbolt Adapter you show does not support that.


You would need something like the folllwing:

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Mini-DisplayPort Adapter - Amazon.com

Jul 3, 2024 10:14 AM in response to Phil0124

Thanks for your reply.


I forgot to mention that; the Cinema display doesn't show up in the M2 Air displays section of system settings at all. So no connection being made.


Thanks for the info re the alternative cable. Returning the A1790 cable to the Apple Store tonight, if they don't have a mini-display port to Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) adaptor, I'll try the option on Amazon.


Thanks again for your help.

Cheers, Colin

Apple Cinema Display to M2 Macbook Air

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