Apple may have removed many of the ports from its laptops, but you can get some of them back by purchasing an official Multiport Adapter. Now Apple has updated the adapter to make it more useful.
As 9To5Mac reports, Apple has quietly refreshed the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter from model number A1621 to A2119 while keeping the price point the same at $69. The adapter includes a HDMI port, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port. When plugged in to a Mac or iPad, it allows for the device to be charged, hooked up to a second display, and data transfers carried out all at the same time.
If you're looking to purchase the Multiport adapter, you'll definitely want to grab the new model because of the upgrades it includes. The HDMI port now supports HDMI 2.0, which means when it's used with a device running macOS Mojave 10.14.6 or later, or iOS 12.4 or later, it can output up to a resolution of 3840-by-2160 at 60Hz, but also 3840-by-2160 at 30Hz, and 1080p at 60Hz. Achieving the highest resolution at 60Hz requires one of the following Apple devices:
- 15-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2017 or later
- Retina iMac introduced in 2017 or later
- iMac Pro
- iPad Pro
The new model also introduces support for High Dynamic Range (HDR), with both HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats catered to as long as you have a compatible playback device as well as a display with HDR support.
Both the USB-C and USB-A port functionality remains the same as the previous model, with the USB A port capable of USB 3.0-speed data transfers and charging duties for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using the appropriate cable. The USB-C port is purely for charging purposes and can be used with a USB-C power adapter to recharge the battery in your Mac or iPad.
One word of caution when using the Multiport, be it the old or new model, is to unplug it when it's not being used and your device isn't charging. That's because the adapter draws power from your device's battery when it's plugged in, so it could leave you with a nasty charging surprise if you aren't careful.