MacBook Pro 2015 Thunderbolt 2 ports reading USB-C/TB3?

[KoolAid-Drink]

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but would a rMBP 2015's Thunderbolt 2 ports/USB 3 ports be able to read Thunderbolt 3/USB-C devices? I understand an adapter may be needed, but does such an adapter exist?

 

[chabig]

You can plug a Thunderbolt hard drive into your MacBook's Thunderbolt port and it'll work. No adapter required if your cable fits on both ends.

 

[KoolAid-Drink]

You can plug a Thunderbolt hard drive into your MacBook's Thunderbolt port and it'll work. No adapter required if your cable fits on both ends.

Right, but the rMBP 2015 comes with TB2, not TB3, and I thought it wasn't compatible given the sizes? How about USB-C?

 

[theitsage]

Why would you want to buy the more expensive Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices when your 2015 rMBP can use the mainstream USB 3 and Thunderbolt 2 devices?

It's possible with Apple TB3 <--> TB2 adapter with macOS 10.12 as a prerequisite. For USB-C connection, you'll need something like this adapter.

 

[chabig]

Right, but the rMBP 2015 comes with TB2, not TB3, and I thought it wasn't compatible given the sizes? How about USB-C?

USB-C is just a new plug that supports multiple personalities, one of which is Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt 3 is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 2. Just connect them with the appropriate Thunderbolt cable and it will work. You'll only need an adapter if you need to change the type of plug. For example, supppose you could find a brand new Thunderbolt drive with a USB-C plug--then you'll need an adapter.