Apple MacBook Pro Thunderbolt 3: Adapter Guide to Connecting an iPhone, Hard Drive, and DisplayPort

The MacBook Pro models that were released in late 2016 no longer have any other ports except the Thunderbolt 3 along with the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Apple's latest laptop has created one standard for connecting peripherals and accessories. The Thunderbolt 3 can connect to the VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB all through a single USB-C port.

It's possible that more USB-C accessories will become available over the coming months but a lot of MacBook Pro fans will need to have a hub or dongle to properly use the notebook with the present setup. If a user has a Thunderbolt display, they will need an adapter, and if an iPhone is needed to connect, then a new cable is necessary.

The MacBook Pro has two to four external ports which are all Thunderbolt 3 that's fully compatible with USB-C. It's pretty obvious that an adapter is needed to connect devices like the Thunderbolt 1 and 2 along with HDMI and others.

For people planning on buying a new MacBook Pro, it's a good idea to save some extra cash for all the adapters that will be needed to connect the laptop with other gadgets. One power adapter is the only thing included by Apple in the MacBook Pro package.

Users who don't want to run around carrying multiple adapters can purchase the Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter for $60 on Amazon. It's a combination dock that can connect the MacBook Pro through the USB-C and has an HDMI port with 4K support, a pass-through port, and two 3.0 USB ports.

The MacBook Pro Thunderbolt 3 ports can easily connect with different USB-C devices thanks to the similarity of the connector shape. The USB-A is the USB connector that most users are familiar with because it was also present on the other versions of the MacBook.

In Amazon, the Aukey USB-C to Micro USB adapter is available for around $8. This can be used to connect the MacBook Pro to external hard drives and iPhone battery cases. Those who are still using the USB-A Lightning or 30-pin cable can also connect an iPad or iPhone unit with the help of the Aukey adapter.

Amazon also sells a Plugable USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter cable priced at $20 and it can support 4K videos at 30Hz. This will make connecting the MacBook Pro to a Display Port much easier.