iMac 2011 27" Thunderbolt 2 adapter to connect Thunderbolt 3 hub

I have an iMac 27-Inch "Core i5" 2.7 (Mid-2011) and I want to connect a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) hub via the Thunderbolt 1/2 port.

In all my searching I could only find a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. The only issue is that I need the opposite, as most of the hubs I have found seem to have a Thunderbolt 3 connector.

So I am looking for a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) adapter that will let me plug the Thunderbolt 2 port into my iMac and connect the Thunderbolt 3 port to a hub like this.


The Apple part is bi-directional, but since the hub you want to work is USB and not Thunderbolt, I would use a much less expensive USB A to USB C adapter to test. You will likely not get the power or signaling to make USB-C 3.0 to work without a proper thunderbolt dock. The adapter you have will let a TB 3 dock work as will the less expensive (perhaps used) Thunderbolt 2 docks like Belkin, Elgato or OWC.

  • https://www.macworld.com/article/2920233/thunderbolt-2-docks-roundup-connecting-multiple-devices-to-your-mac-laptop-has-never-been-easier.html

The best way to get USB 3.0 from a TB 2 mac is this part, but it’s not got as many output options as the inexpensive USB-C devices or the proper docks above, but it splits the difference between your hub and the full dock price.

  • https://www.kanex.com/thunderbolt3-esata