Be it an HDMI port or any other port, the ports on a laptop ultimately decide how easily you can connect other cables to your laptop.
But, even though these ports can offer convenience and increased connectivity, the relationship between ports and MacBooks has been absurd.
In 2016, Apple was one of the first tech companies that dived headfirst into the USB-C world.
Even though their phones still have a proprietary lightning port, they’ve only shipped their MacBooks with USB-C ports. As a result, owners have had to use dongles to connect the peripherals they use.
That said, the new MacBook Pro changed everything. But does the MacBook Pro have HDMI ports? Read on as we answer that question.
Does the MacBook Pro Have HDMI Ports?
Depends on which MacBook you’re talking about.
Between 2005 and 2015, Apple fans could buy a MacBook with all the ports they could ask for. Meaning, every laptop had these ports:
- Thunderbolt DisplayPort
- HDMI Port
- SD card slot
- Standard USB ports
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But come 2016, Apple got the idea that it wanted to make its laptops thinner. In a pursuit to make their laptops more aesthetically pleasing, all Apple laptops that came out after 2016 did not have the HDMI port.
However, with the 2021 variant of the MacBook Pro, Apple has reintroduced the ports. The latest MacBook Pro has:
- USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4
- MagSafe 3 port for charging
- HDMI 2.0 port
- SD card reader
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For MacBook users, the return of these ports is a relief.
The SD card and the HDMI port can be found on the right edge of the laptop. The HDMI port lets users connect a second screen to their MacBook without using an adapter. However, if you want to connect one more display, you’ll have to use a Thunderbolt port.
That said, the single HDMI port that Apple has included on their latest MacBook Pro isn’t necessarily state-of-the-art.
Since it is only HDMI 2.0, it can support 4K resolution at a 60 Hz refresh rate. This means if you have a TV with 4K resolution at a 120 Hz refresh rate or a TV with 8K, this HDMI port is practically useless.
However, there aren’t many monitors that can display 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. But, since some of them exist and are now becoming increasingly common, it’s safe to say that after a few years, 4K at 120 frames per second is going to be the standard.
How to Connect to MacBook HDMI Ports?
If you’re using the latest MacBook, you’ll have to plug the HDMI cable into the port, and you’ll be all set. But for people using older versions of the MacBook, the solution is a bit more complex.
Apple recommends its customers to use third-party DisplayPort to HDMI adapters. By using these adapters, any Apple user can easily send video and audio signals to external devices. Be it a screen, a projector, or even a smartphone; you’re not going to see a drop in quality.
However, to do this, you’ll need to follow a certain process.
You’ll first have to know which version of the MacBook you’re using. To do this:
- In the Apple menu, click on the “About this Mac” option
- Double-click on “version.”
- Now type in your laptop’s serial number. You can find this on the surface of your laptop. You can also view this by going to settings, then clicking on “general,” and then clicking on “About” to view the serial number
These devices and versions can send video and audio signals:
- iMac (Late 2009)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010)
- MacBook Pro (Mid-2010)
- MacBook (Mid-2010)
- Mac Pro (Mid-2010)
- Mac mini (Mid-2010)
- MacBook Pro 2021 14-inch
- MacBook Pro 2021 16-inch
- MacBook Pro (Mid-2012, retina)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2013, 15-inch, retina)
- MacBook Pro (Late 2012, retina, 13-inch)
Since these models have a built-in HDMI port, you’re not going to need an additional adapter. However, if you don’t have a MacBook from the list we’ve mentioned above, you’re going to need an adapter.
First and foremost, Apple recommends that the adapter you get should be of the VESA-1.1a DisplayPort Standard. Some of the options we recommend are:
- Purgo USB-C adapter
- AmazonBasics Mini Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter
- Satechi USB-C dual 4K adapter
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
- Uni USB-C to HDMI adapter 4K
- Mokin USB-C Hub HDMI adapter
- QGEEM USB-C HDMI adapter
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Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Once you have an adapter:
- Go to system preferences.
- Now click on the sound settings.
- Switch to the “Output” tab
If you’ve followed the procedure we’ve mentioned above to connect your MacBook to an HDMI adapter, the external display you’re using should be mirroring your MacBook’s screen. And, if you’ve done this correctly, you can send video and audio signals from your laptop to a TV.
FAQs
Does an old MacBook Pro have HDMI ports?
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Yes. MacBooks before 2016 had all kinds of ports to ensure using HDMI with your MacBook was simple.
However, in 2016, Apple decided to reduce the weight of their laptops to make them slimmer, because of which they ditched several ports. These MacBooks have HDMI ports:
- iMac (Late 2009)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010)
- MacBook Pro (Mid-2010)
- MacBook (Mid-2010)
- Mac Pro (Mid-2010)
- Mac mini (Mid-2010)
- MacBook Pro 2021 14-inch
- MacBook Pro 2021 16-inch
- MacBook Pro (Mid-2012, retina)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2013, 15-inch, retina)
- MacBook Pro (Late 2012, retina, 13-inch)
Why does my MacBook Pro not have HDMI ports?
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While there is no definite answer to this question, Apple has often tried to back its “wireless” stance as an attempt to be more environmentally friendly. Fewer ports mean fewer cables, and fewer cables mean less plastic being used, which is good for the environment.
Do all MacBooks have an HDMI port?
No. These MacBooks have the HDMI port:
- iMac (Late 2009)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010)
- MacBook Pro (Mid-2010)
- MacBook (Mid-2010)
- Mac Pro (Mid-2010)
- Mac mini (Mid-2010)
- MacBook Pro 2021 14-inch
- MacBook Pro 2021 16-inch
- MacBook Pro (Mid-2012, retina)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2013, 15-inch, retina)
- MacBook Pro (Late 2012, retina, 13-inch)
MacBooks that came out after 2016 didn’t have HDMI ports. However, in 2021, Apple added the HDMI port back to the MacBook Pro.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.