How to use the LG Ultrafine USB-C Display on older Thunderbolt 2 Macs

Back in December I wrote this article about how Apple no longer sell any displays. Since then Apple have started selling a nice LG display that works with MacBooks. This has been designed in conjunction with Apple so that you can control the display’s volume and brightness from the Apple computer. It essentially functions as an Apple display but with an LG badge. On their website Apple describe it as: “A perfect complement to your MacBook or MacBook Pro.” The monitor plugs into the USB-C port on the new MacBooks. But the new LG monitors that Apple are selling don’t plug directly into to older Macs. What Apple’s website doesn’t say is that they sell an adapter that will allow this monitor to work with some non USB-C Macs.

UPDATE January 2019: Please disregard this article. The USB-C to Thunderbolt Cable is not as functional as it sounds. Foe example it would not let me hook a thunderbolt display to the USB-C port on my new 2018 Mac Mini, despite it’s claims of being bi-directional. So if you are thinking of buying the thunderbolt to USC-C adapter go into an Apple store first and make sure it will do what you want it to do.

The new MacBooks are equipped with Thunderbolt 3 which uses a USB-C connector.  The older Thunderbolt 2 used the same connector as the old Apple Display Connectors. This can get a little confusing. The bottom line is that the new LG monitors that Apple are selling don’t plug directly into to older Thunderbolt 2 Macs.

Thunderbolt 3 (left) which uses a USB-C port and Thunderbolt 2 (right) which is the same as the old ADC port (Apple Display Connector).

But Apple do sell a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter to plug older Thunderbolt 2 devices into the new Thunderbolt 3 MacBooks. Apple’s new adapter is so clever that it works both ways! It will also allow you to connect a Thunderbolt 3 device such as the LG display into an older Thunderbolt 2 Mac such as a Mac Mini or older MacBook. This is genius! Most adapters only work one way.

Apple’s new adapter is so clever that it works both ways! It will also allow you to connect a Thunderbolt 3 device such as the LG display into an older Thunderbolt 2 Mac.

Even if you can get it plugged in physically, not all Macs with Thunderbolt 2 have the graphics capability to drive the higher resolution Thunderbolt 3 display.

This page from Apple describes which computers can drive the LG 4K display.

This page from Apple describes which computers can drive the LG 5K display.

Notice that the Mac Mini (2014) is NOT compatible with the LG 4K display, but it is compatible with the LG 5K display.

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4 responses to “How to use the LG Ultrafine USB-C Display on older Thunderbolt 2 Macs”

  1. Tammer

    Hi – great article.
    I recently purchase the LG UltraFine 5K to use on my MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015). I’m using a thunderbolt 2 3 adaptor (not the apple one, but a a 3rd party one).
    The display is absolutely fine, however I’ve noticed that the webcam/mic/speakers are not recognised at all. I’m not sure if this is to do with what thunderbolt 2 3 is able to support, or is it an issue with my adaptor.

    Reply
    1. Alex

      Hey Tammer,
      which Third-Party-Adapter did you buy?
      Thanks
      Alex

      Reply
  2. Shin

    Hi Alex,

    Thank you for all the information. I really like your Web site.
    I’ve fixed it. I tried to connect iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015) and LG Ultrafine 4K 21.5″ display for Mac the followings w/o giving up.

    iMac Retina 21.5″ Late 2015 -> Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort 1.2 adaptor -> USB-C to DisplayPort bi-direct. cable -> LG Ultrafine 4K 21.5″

    Details of the items I purchased:

    1) Mini DP to DP 1.2 adaptor: Cable Matters Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Adapter (Mini DP to DP) in Black – 4K Resolution Ready – Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 Port Compatible
    2) USB-C to DP cable: Amazon Basics Bi-Directional USB-C to DisplayPort Cable 3-Foot

    That’s it.

    Reply
  3. Gaëtan

    Hi Shin,

    Could you provide details on the adaptator (DisplayPort USB-C) you found to work?

    Thanks

    Reply

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