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What type of connectors are suggested to connect USB-A to USB 3 and USB Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports? Please be specific. Thank you.

What type of connectors are suggested to connect USB-A to USB 3 and USB Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports? Please be specific. Thank you.

iMac 24″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Dec 27, 2021 1:44 PM

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Posted on Dec 27, 2021 2:03 PM

Thunderbolt/USB4 ports use USB C connectors and will work with all versions of USB implementations, from USB4 down to USB 1.0.


To make the USB C connector compatible with cables that don’t have USB C on either end, use something like this https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter


USB-A ports use the regular USB connector and will work USB 3.2 all the way down to USB 1.0.

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Dec 27, 2021 2:03 PM in response to Bob-Pat

Thunderbolt/USB4 ports use USB C connectors and will work with all versions of USB implementations, from USB4 down to USB 1.0.


To make the USB C connector compatible with cables that don’t have USB C on either end, use something like this https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter


USB-A ports use the regular USB connector and will work USB 3.2 all the way down to USB 1.0.

Dec 27, 2021 2:22 PM in response to John Whittaker

USB terms that end with letters are connectors. They have nothing to do speeds/implementations. USB-A, USB-C, and earlier, USB-B all refer to connectors.


USB terms that end with numbers refer to implementations that include things like speed, power etc. So, USB4 is faster than 3 which is faster than 2 etc.


In the case of USB4 and only USB4, the reference is to both implementation and connector. USB4 requires USB C connectors, otherwise it ain’t USB4.


All this clearly leaves room for confusion (to the sheer delight of marketing departments everywhere).

Dec 27, 2021 3:42 PM in response to hcsitas

Thank you for your reply. I think I didn't clearly state my situation. I am phasing-out my 2010 iMac, which has a few USB-A ports with devices directly connected to those ports, via USB-A cables (large). My new iMac 24" has two USB 3 ports and two USB 4/Thunderbolt ports (small). Where can I find an adapter to connect the USB-A cables (large) to the USB 3 and USB 4 ports (small)? I have search for an adapter, but the best I can come up with is USB-C adapters. Or am I think wrong on this? I hope I didn't add to the confusion.

Dec 27, 2021 4:55 PM in response to Bob-Pat

You need the Apple USB-C to USB adapter that hcsitas posted in his first reply.


Or a similar aftermarket USB-C to USB adapter. Just be aware that not all aftermarket adapters play well with some devices.


for example, the > https://www.target.com/p/philips-6-34-usb-c-to-usb-3-1-female-adapter-black/-/A-53245266 is an aftermarket adapter that I know works.

What type of connectors are suggested to connect USB-A to USB 3 and USB Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports? Please be specific. Thank you.

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