You may not need this port if you prefer Bluetooth headphones, but for those who still enjoy cords, or noise-canceling features, it’s nice to see this port stick around.Ģ012 to 2016 MacBook Air (this Mac doesn't have a HDMI) It also connects built-in microphones on headphones and earbuds as well. The only other port on these MacBook models is the 3.5mm jack, allowing for headphones to be used with a Mac. But at least with those and the right cords, you can use basically anything with these Macs! To access the many uses of the Thunderbolt 3 port, you will likely need several kinds of adapters or even specialized Thunderbolt 3 hubs. With the USB-C shape allowing for cords to be inserted in any orientation, Thunderbolt 3 ports are incredibly versatile in what can be plugged into them, and how they can be plugged in. SD cards can also be supported with adapters to fit them into the ports.
So you can plug an external hard drive into a Thunderbolt 3 port one day, and then put an HDMI cord into the same port the next. It also allows for a Mac to be charged via Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Thunderbolt's USB-C shape allows for “Alternate Modes” for the port that can support HDMI, MHL, Ethernet, and DisplayPort connections, on top of general USB ones. Thunderbolt 3 ports are so fast you can plug in virtually anything and have it work with your Mac. You'll find these ports on the following MacBook models:
