Thunderbolt Compatibility with M1 Macs: A Comprehensive Guide

Attention to computer enthusiasts and professional users alike: if you're considering upgrading to an M1 Mac, or simply looking to ensure your current Thunderbolt hardware is fully compatible, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the current compatibility of Thunderbolt devices with M1 Macs and provide detailed insights to help you make an informed decision.

Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility with M1 Macs

One of the first questions many users have is whether their existing Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) devices will work with M1 Macs. The good news is that Thunderbolt 3 is still fully supported in M1 Macs. These devices work seamlessly, providing both high-speed data transfer and the ability to connect external displays and peripherals.

USB4 and the Future

While USB 4 is often marketed as the successor to USB 3, it’s important to note that USB4 is not the same as Thunderbolt 3, despite some similarities in technology. USB4 supports a wider range of devices and connections, but it doesn’t offer the dedicated DisplayPort lanes that Thunderbolt provides. Despite this, M1 Macs can support devices through USB4, but there are some limitations to keep in mind.

Limitations of USB4 in M1 Macs

It is recommended to check the specific specifications and limitations of your USB4 device before using it with M1 Macs.

Currently, M1 Macs can support only one display via USB4, similar to the limitations of Thunderbolt 3 with M1 Macs.

While both Thunderbolt and USB4 offer high-speed data transfer and support for external displays, Thunderbolt 3 has some advantages. Thunderbolt 3 supports up to two independent displays and provides 40Gbps of bandwidth, which is more than the 40Gbps supported by USB4 over a single lane.

Commonly Compatible M1 Mac Thunderbolt Devices

If you’re looking to use external hard drives, displays, docking stations, or eGPUs with your M1 Mac, you’re in luck. These devices are generally compatible with M1 Macs, but you should perform your own research to ensure the specific device is supported.

External Hard Drives

External hard drives are crucial for data storage and backups. For M1 Macs, make sure they are formatted in HFS or APFS, which are both native file systems for macOS. Alternatively, you can use FAT32 or exFAT file systems, which are compatible with both Windows and macOS.

Displays and Docking Stations

Displays and docking stations are also compatible with M1 Macs. These devices often offer a variety of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt, USB-C, and USB 3.0. With these devices, you can easily expand the functionality of your M1 Mac.

eGPUs (External GPUs)

External GPUs (eGPUs) are a popular choice for professionals who need a high-performance graphics card. The current issue is that eGPUs are not supported on M1 Macs. While the reason for this is still being debated, it appears that M1 Macs were designed for entry-level performance, and there may not be enough I/O bandwidth to support eGPUs. However, there is hope that Apple may release an update in the future to support eGPUs via software updates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 devices can work with M1 Macs, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. While Thunderbolt 3 is fully supported and offers more features, USB4 has its own strengths. For most users, USB4 should be sufficient for everyday tasks, such as connecting external hard drives, displays, and docking stations. However, for those who require advanced graphics performance, eGPUs will still need to be used with an Intel-based Mac.