Is Thunderbolt 2 forward-compatible to Thunderbolt 3?












3















I know that Thunderbolt 3 computers are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 2 devices using an adapter. What I want to know is if the reverse is true - if Thunderbolt 2 computers can connect to devices using the new standard like USB does, albeit with lower speeds. I can't seem to find information around the interwebs regarding this. I'd appreciate if someone would shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.










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    3















    I know that Thunderbolt 3 computers are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 2 devices using an adapter. What I want to know is if the reverse is true - if Thunderbolt 2 computers can connect to devices using the new standard like USB does, albeit with lower speeds. I can't seem to find information around the interwebs regarding this. I'd appreciate if someone would shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.










    share|improve this question

























      3












      3








      3


      1






      I know that Thunderbolt 3 computers are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 2 devices using an adapter. What I want to know is if the reverse is true - if Thunderbolt 2 computers can connect to devices using the new standard like USB does, albeit with lower speeds. I can't seem to find information around the interwebs regarding this. I'd appreciate if someone would shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.










      share|improve this question














      I know that Thunderbolt 3 computers are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 2 devices using an adapter. What I want to know is if the reverse is true - if Thunderbolt 2 computers can connect to devices using the new standard like USB does, albeit with lower speeds. I can't seem to find information around the interwebs regarding this. I'd appreciate if someone would shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.







      compatibility thunderbolt






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      asked Jun 12 '16 at 8:39









      DeVilFisChDeVilFisCh

      63412




      63412






















          1 Answer
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          I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:




          The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*




          This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.




          • For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.

          • Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)

          • Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.

          • Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.


          I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.



          UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.



          There are a few things to note though:




          • The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.

          • No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.

          • He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.

          • Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.


          I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.






          share|improve this answer


























          • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 12:23











          • Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 13:52











          • The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 15:59











          • That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 16:04






          • 1





            @Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Jul 27 '17 at 12:52











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          1 Answer
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          1 Answer
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          2














          I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:




          The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*




          This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.




          • For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.

          • Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)

          • Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.

          • Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.


          I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.



          UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.



          There are a few things to note though:




          • The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.

          • No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.

          • He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.

          • Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.


          I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.






          share|improve this answer


























          • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 12:23











          • Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 13:52











          • The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 15:59











          • That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 16:04






          • 1





            @Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Jul 27 '17 at 12:52
















          2














          I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:




          The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*




          This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.




          • For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.

          • Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)

          • Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.

          • Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.


          I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.



          UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.



          There are a few things to note though:




          • The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.

          • No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.

          • He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.

          • Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.


          I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.






          share|improve this answer


























          • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 12:23











          • Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 13:52











          • The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 15:59











          • That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 16:04






          • 1





            @Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Jul 27 '17 at 12:52














          2












          2








          2







          I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:




          The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*




          This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.




          • For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.

          • Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)

          • Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.

          • Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.


          I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.



          UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.



          There are a few things to note though:




          • The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.

          • No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.

          • He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.

          • Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.


          I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.






          share|improve this answer















          I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:




          The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*




          This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.




          • For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.

          • Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)

          • Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.

          • Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.


          I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.



          UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.



          There are a few things to note though:




          • The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.

          • No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.

          • He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.

          • Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.


          I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited Jul 27 '17 at 13:12

























          answered Nov 7 '16 at 6:45









          DeVilFisChDeVilFisCh

          63412




          63412













          • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 12:23











          • Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 13:52











          • The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 15:59











          • That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 16:04






          • 1





            @Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Jul 27 '17 at 12:52



















          • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 12:23











          • Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 13:52











          • The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...

            – DavidPostill
            Nov 7 '16 at 15:59











          • That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Nov 7 '16 at 16:04






          • 1





            @Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.

            – DeVilFisCh
            Jul 27 '17 at 12:52

















          This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review

          – DavidPostill
          Nov 7 '16 at 12:23





          This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review

          – DavidPostill
          Nov 7 '16 at 12:23













          Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.

          – DeVilFisCh
          Nov 7 '16 at 13:52





          Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.

          – DeVilFisCh
          Nov 7 '16 at 13:52













          The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...

          – DavidPostill
          Nov 7 '16 at 15:59





          The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...

          – DavidPostill
          Nov 7 '16 at 15:59













          That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.

          – DeVilFisCh
          Nov 7 '16 at 16:04





          That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.

          – DeVilFisCh
          Nov 7 '16 at 16:04




          1




          1





          @Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.

          – DeVilFisCh
          Jul 27 '17 at 12:52





          @Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.

          – DeVilFisCh
          Jul 27 '17 at 12:52


















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