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I've just bought a new Mac and need to plugin in a couple of devices - both currently use old USB cables. My new iMac has 4 x Thunderbolt slots on the back - *** are these?
Do I have to buy usb to thunderbolt adapters? I thought everyone was moving to usb-c?
I have a WP My Passport for Mac Drive and a SmartBase desktop stand.
Any help hugely appreciated.
[Edited by Moderator]
iMac 27″, macOS 12.7
Those are multi-purpose USB-C ports. They support multiple protocols, including
Since these are USB4 ports, the USB standards require them to have USB-C connectors.
Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 are optional, high-end protocols that can live on the USB-C connector. Apple likes to call USB-C ports that support one of these protocols "Thunderbolt ports" to emphasize the presence of the desirable feature. It doesn't mean that you must use Thunderbolt for everything – and most of the time, you won't.
It means that you have the option to use Thunderbolt, if and when you need it – e.g., for connecting a high-speed SSD, a high-end dock, or a 5K/6K display.
Those are multi-purpose USB-C ports. They support multiple protocols, including
Since these are USB4 ports, the USB standards require them to have USB-C connectors.
Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 are optional, high-end protocols that can live on the USB-C connector. Apple likes to call USB-C ports that support one of these protocols "Thunderbolt ports" to emphasize the presence of the desirable feature. It doesn't mean that you must use Thunderbolt for everything – and most of the time, you won't.
It means that you have the option to use Thunderbolt, if and when you need it – e.g., for connecting a high-speed SSD, a high-end dock, or a 5K/6K display.
Thunderbolt ports on your new iMac support both USB devices and high speed Thunderbolt devices.
Your old USB devices that have the common USB-A type plug can be connected to your iMac with the use of a USB-A to USB-C plug adapter. The adapters can be found at many retailers including online at Amazon and others. The USB-A to USB-C plug adapter looks like this:
Thunderbolt is a protocol found on monitors, high speed storage and other Thunderbolt enabled devices. Thunderbolt ports and cables that accommodate Thunderbolt data rates are marked with the Thunderbolt lightning logo.
Thunderbolt and USB-C share the same port design, but different communication protocols. All Thunderbolt ports can be USB-C ports, but USB-C only ports don't accommodate Thunderbolt data or Thunderbolt devices. If it doesn't have the lightning logo it isn't a Thunderbolt port, it's just USB-C. Are you confused yet?
Technology keeps moving forward even if you don't upgrade your computer hardware for long intervals.
My new iMac has 4 x Thunderbolt slots, do I have to buy usb to thunderbolt adapters?
