New MacBook Pros May Not Be Compatible With Some Early Thunderbolt 3 Devices [Updated]

[NAYo2002]

The moderators only look after the forums, we do not write or influence the content of any front page articles. The editors are listed at the bottom of the MacRumors homepage.

Thanks for the clarification, it's confusing when your title is "staff member" instead of "moderator" like it used to be.

In any case, I'm more frustrated by the fact that someone who should be somewhat unbiased is not acknowledging a simple fact of Plugable used a TI chip that wasn't meant for TB3 in this case.

 

[obiwan]

The one port that does it almost.

'One port to rule them all' - or not as it would seem
[doublepost=1478257512][/doublepost]

As if we needed any more straight up kicks to the balls with this product.

We just need the battery to explode now...

 

[kucharsk]

It's truly entertaining reading this thread; apparently Apple can no longer do anything right.

Much like supporting past BT versions, there may be something in the latest version of TB3 that Apple requires for their systems to operate properly.

Apple "chose" not to support older TB3 chips from TI, but why?

There are only two reasons that are reasonable:

1) They needed something in the latest specification for TB3, or
2) It's a bug in their TB3 device support.

Either way, I'm sure an explanation will be forthcoming.

Myself, I need a physical ESC key, so I dislike the Touch Bar MBPs for an entirely different reason but that doesn't mean Apple is tripping over themselves here.

 

[bsolar]

In any case, I'm more frustrated by the fact that someone who should be somewhat unbiased is not acknowledging a simple fact of Plugable used a TI chip that wasn't meant for TB3 in this case.

You can acknowledge this fact as much as you want: it doesn't change this being bad publicity for the new MacBook Pro. Bad publicity is bad no matter whether it's based on fact or fiction.

 

[OllyW]

Thanks for the clarification, it's confusing when your title is "staff member" instead of "moderator" like it used to be.

In any case, I'm more frustrated by the fact that someone who should be somewhat unbiased is not acknowledging a simple fact of Plugable used a TI chip that wasn't meant for TB3 in this case.

You have to remember we are only normal members who volunteer to moderate the forums. In most of our posts we are simply stating our opinions and we always make it clear when we are posting as moderators.

 

[spookyRaj]

The saddest thing?

That for some people here, Apple "not failing" is evidenced by the fact they're making huge profits rather than being evidenced by them creating insanely great products

 

[SimeoneSergio]

It was supposed to be a standard and now you find out it's not -that- standard...

Seriously, time to fire some people...

 

[maflynn]

So are there lists of known compatible and known incompatible devices?

I'm sure if there isn't one now, there will be one shortly. I suppose it may be trial and error, i.e., when people buy them and find it doesn't work

 

[obiwan]

In any case, I'm more frustrated by the fact that someone who should be somewhat unbiased is not acknowledging a simple fact of Plugable used a TI chip that wasn't meant for TB3 in this case.

So does this mean that Thunderbolt 1 peripherals that use a TI chip won't work with the new MacBook Pro's TB3 ports? (I'm thinking of the super-expensive Thunderbolt equipped audio interface here I just bought)
https://uk.focusrite.com/thunderbolt-audio-interfaces/clarett-8pre

 

[maflynn]

The saddest thing?

I don't think its the saddest thing, I think its a typical bump in the road when adopting new technology. I think its being magnified because of the other negative press Apple has incurred with the MBP.

I already stated this, for me, the impact is minimal mostly because I don't own a new MBP, but also if I did, I'd be opting for USB, but then that's just my personal use case.

 

[kucharsk]

You can acknowledge this fact as much as you want: it doesn't change this being bad publicity for the new MacBook Pro. Bad publicity is bad no matter whether it's based on fact or fiction.

So bad publicity arising from the fact that the machine is incompatible with a product that doesn't fully comply with the standard is somehow reasonable.

It's rather like the people who still bring up Apple's "You're holding it wrong" answer, despite the fact that tests showed several other cell phones had the exact same problems with reception when held in the exact same way.

 

[NAYo2002]

You have to remember we are only normal members who volunteer to moderate the forums. In most of our posts we are simply stating our opinions and we always make it clear when we are posting as moderators.

Opinions should be based on facts, no? Otherwise, what's stopping me from saying "I hate MacRumors because it's paid for by Samsung?"

You would have to "moderate" me if I go around posting it all over, no?

 

[Confused Vorlon]

How about the most pre-orders of a MacBook Pro ever?

Hard to know how much that means. The MacBook has been overdue an update for a really long time. If they had just released a memory/cpu update without any fanfare, they would have had huge pre-orders.

 

[Steve121178]

It was supposed to be a standard and now you find out it's not -that- standard...

Seriously, time to fire some people...

What would that achieve?

 

[dantroline]

The saddest thing?
That for some people here, Apple "not failing" is evidenced by the fact they're making huge profits rather than being evidenced by them creating insanely great products

I read somewhere that the problem Apple is heading for is a bit like where Microsoft once was. A company drunk with success and having come this far without having to be open and honest about its products with the consumer. Microsoft was in the end plagued with viruses and holes to the point that Windows was a laughing stock, but they opened up and came clean to a degree. They reinvented themselves you could say. Microsoft now offers pretty slick products, although their legacy will forever haunt them in my eyes. I always handle their products with chemical proof gloves and tongs.

Is this now a sign that Apple is at a crossroads. The only way Apple might wake up to itself (and I believe it has something to wake up to) is with a consumer backlash. When I think of Apple's cash reserves I see amazing opportunities for good, for mind blowing innovation but it doesn't look like the people at Apple can see it.

 

[The Mercurian]

Hard to know how much that means. The MacBook has been overdue an update for a really long time. If they had just released a memory/cpu update without any fanfare, they would have had huge pre-orders.

Indeed, there are many ways in which this statement may be misleading. For example did they mean this macbook have the most orders on a Thursday afternoon in November during a leap year? Until they publish methods and figures it is just sales talk

 

[Jaekae]

It's truly entertaining reading this thread; apparently Apple can no longer do anything right.

Much like supporting past BT versions, there may be something in the latest version of TB3 that Apple requires for their systems to operate properly.

Apple "chose" not to support older TB3 chips from TI, but why?

There are only two reasons that are reasonable:

1) They needed something in the latest specification for TB3, or
2) It's a bug in their TB3 device support.

Either way, I'm sure an explanation will be forthcoming.

Myself, I need a physical ESC key, so I dislike the Touch Bar MBPs for an entirely different reason but that doesn't mean Apple is tripping over themselves here.

That older TI chip isnt made to support tb3, just companies like plugable that noone ever heard of is exploiting it because windows had drivers that work for them.
Apple will maby do softwareupdate to support it or tell accesory makers to use proper chips

 

[FreshBoy]

For me, TB3 isn't a huge issue, because I'd opt for USB, as the costs tend to be more economical, but then at this point, I'm not looking at the new MBP simply


Not next week, but yes, this is a bump in the road, however this is one of many bumps for Apple's MBP and that's the problem I see. This has not been a positive product rollout by any stretch of the word. Dedicated, hard core mac fans are upset, and this just adds fuel to the fire

Haha I know. I don't think there has been a positive article yet...

 

[2013.1]

That older TI chip isnt made to support tb3, just companies like plugable that noone ever heard of is exploiting it because windows had drivers that work for them.
Apple will maby do softwareupdate to support it or tell accesory makers to use proper chips

Can you back that with a source?

 

[clangers23]

It's frustrating, a bit more support from Apple would go along way here. A page on their site listing compatible devices, making it clear to consumers what standards to look out for?

They surely must recognise a period of transition for their user base here?

 

[2013.1]

The chip manufacturer does not agree...

Where?

 

[ColdShadow]

It's getting really annoying, every day there is an article about what the new MBP cannot do.
it's all about CAN'T,DOESN'T,NOT,LACK,MISSING
what a shame.
I was really looking forward to the new MBP to upgrade my 2014 rMBP,but definitely not interested in the new MBP both for unfair price increase and for huge compromises.
at this point I might consider 12 Inch MB,at least that laptop is ultra light and slim and maybe they can argue why ports are missing on that laptop and it's not posing as a Pro..
will wait for next year 12 Inch update hopefully they get more powerful CPUs and an extra port.
new MBP sucks.

 

[dilbert99]

Cue the haters....
This has nothing to do with dongles, so let's stop that discussion right now.

Thunderbolt 3 combines PCI Express and DisplayPort protocols into a single signal in addition to power. Its extremely versatile. Just like not all wireless headphones are up to 4.2 BT specs, I'm sure not all T3 peripherals are created equal as well.

Apple is being Apple, and that means outrageously priced stuff with hard to swallow limitations. I think folks forget that this is really been Apple's MO for decades. Either buy their stuff or don't, but stop complaining about something you have no control over.

The only way to get a company to change is to complain.

Complaining at the complainers helps no-one.

 

[Hustler1337]

I read somewhere that the problem Apple is heading for is a bit like where Microsoft once was. A company drunk with success and having come this far without having to be open and honest about its products with the consumer. Microsoft was in the end plagued with viruses and holes to the point that Windows was a laughing stock, but they opened up and came clean to a degree. They reinvented themselves you could say. Microsoft now offers pretty slick products, although their legacy will forever haunt them in my eyes. I always handle their products with chemical proof gloves and tongs.

Is this now a sign that Apple is at a crossroads. The only way Apple might wake up to itself (and I believe it has something to wake up to) is with a consumer backlash. When I think of Apple's cash reserves I see amazing opportunities for good, for mind blowing innovation but it doesn't look like the people at Apple can see it.

I can only guess that they're saving all that cash reserve for R&D for the Apple Car and lawsuit payouts. One thing that does seem clear though is that they're not using it for innovation in their existing product lines.

 

[mytdave]

Seriously, why does Apple feel the need to be a PITA? So, I'm going to buy a brand new MBP so I can run Windows if I want it to work? Well, hell, if I have to run Windows, I might as well save $500 and buy a PC laptop that can accommodate up to 64GB of RAM.