USB C to thunderbolt port

[hellfried]

I have a late 2012 iMac with 2 thunderbolt (1st gen, I think) ports. I would like to use this as an external display with my 2019 13" MacBook Pro with 2 thunderbolt 3 ports. What kind of cables should I be getting?

 

[ruslan120]

(1) Thunderbolt 2 Cable (I recommend the longer one for ease of use)
(2) Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Should be good to go with those two things. Both can be found on Amazon for prices cheaper than Apple’s.

Source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592

Edit:
Updated with correct cable type. My apologies.

 

[hellfried]

(1) Thunderbolt 3 Cable (I recommend the longer one for ease of use)
(2) Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Should be good to go with those two things. Both can be found on Amazon for prices cheaper than Apple’s.

Source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592

But I would need a male (thunderbolt) to male (usb c) cable right?

 

[chrfr]

But I would need a male (thunderbolt) to male (usb c) cable right?

You actually need a regular Thunderbolt (not thunderbolt 3) cable. The adapter plugs directly into your new Mac, and the old style thunderbolt cable plugs into the old computer and then to the adapter.

 

[hellfried]

Sorry to sound like a noob but I still don't see how the adapter can fit into the thunderbolt port on my iMac. Both ends are female types. How can they fit?

 

[chrfr]

Sorry to sound like a noob but I still don't see how the adapter can fit into the thunderbolt port on my iMac. Both ends are female types. How can they fit?

The thunderbolt 3 end is male. You can see the connector in pictures here: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter

 

[hellfried]

The thunderbolt 3 end is male. You can see the connector in pictures here: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter

 

[chrfr]

View attachment 856655

You need to buy a Thunderbolt cable, as posts here and the Apple documentation about target display mode says. All Thunderbolt cables are male-male.

 

[ruslan120]

You actually need a regular Thunderbolt (not thunderbolt 3) cable. The adapter plugs directly into your new Mac, and the old style thunderbolt cable plugs into the old computer and then to the adapter.

You’re right. I’ve updated my post. Apologies for the incorrect information.

Thunderbolt 2 cable, 2.0 m variety is most convenient IMO

 

[hellfried]

Now I get it. Thanks for all the help.