Apple 27 inch Thunderbolt Display (2011-2016) Compatible with M3 Mac Air.

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Apple 27 inch Thunderbolt Display (2011-2016) Compatible with M3 Mac Air.

I have an Apple 27 inch Thunderbolt Display (2011-2016) and a recently purchased a Mac Air M3 16GB. Now I am having trouble with the display that keeps flickering. The Mac is connected to the display using an Apple thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 3 adapter.

Previously, I had the display connected to a 2019 Macbook Pro with an intel 2.4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 and it worked fined. I was wondering if there is an issue using the same adapter to the new Mac Air and the new Thunderbolt 4.

I have read a lot of old post about the flickering on 27 Apple display, some suggesting that it could be the built in cable.

I really like this display and would love to continue to use it. Any help?

Thanks,

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.0

Posted on Oct 11, 2024 2:10 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 11, 2024 10:32 PM in response to Gamboa1

If you’re not using an authentic Apple Thunderbolt adapter, as third-party adapters may not handle the signal as well. The flickering may also be caused by a worn or faulty built-in cable on the Thunderbolt Display.

Thanks

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Answer 2

Oct 12, 2024 8:30 AM in response to Gamboa1

It could be the cable.

Recent versions of macOS are intolerant of display transmission errors – as in, they will reduce resolution, or cut off the video signal, if they see any. Thus, problems with a flaky cable that may have gone overlooked with old versions of macOS may be more apparent when you are using a new one.

You could try running a TB 1/2 cable from the TB2 side of the Apple TB3-to-2 adapter to the TB daisy-chaining port on the Thunderbolt Monitor, leaving the permanently-attached "hydra" cable unused.

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