The introduction of thunderbolt technology is the primary reason why there is no ethernet port on the Apple MacBook Pro. Ethernet ports are one of the most common ways to connect your computer to the internet, but Apple doesn’t include an Ethernet port on their laptops or desktops anymore. The question then becomes: why did Apple remove the Ethernet port from their newest laptops? Is it something they plan to bring back in the future? Or has Apple abandoned wired connections altogether in favor of wireless connections and Bluetooth? Let’s look at why there isn’t an Ethernet port on your MacBook and what the future holds for such ports and other wired connections.
The Key Takeaways
- The omission of an ethernet port on the Apple MacBook Pro makes them portable and clutter-free.
- Technological advancement is among the reasons why Apple ditched ethernet ports and embraced the thunderbolt technology.
- Suppose you require a wired internet connection in your MacBook Pro, opt for USB-C to Ethernet adapter, which is faster because it supports gigabit speed.
- The ethernet adapter makes any computer to be compatible with a wired internet connection.
What Is an Ethernet Port and What Does It Do?
Most laptops have an Ethernet port, which allows you to connect to a wired network. An Ethernet port resembles a large phone jack and is usually located on the side of your laptop. The benefits of using an Ethernet connection are that it’s generally faster than Wi-Fi and more reliable. So why doesn’t the Apple MacBook have an Ethernet port?
The primary reason could be a lack of space because other components are being pushed against each other. Secondly, it would be difficult for an average user to use when working from home or away from their office; thirdly, with the introduction of AirPlay and Thunderbolt technology, there is no need for such a port.
Reasons why there is no ethernet port on the Apple MacBook Pro
Apple has good reasons why they opted to do away with an ethernet port on their MacBook pro and other newer computer models. Here are some of the reasons:
- Apple’s target market for the MacBook Pro is creative professionals who often work remotely and need the portability and lightweight of the MacBook Pro.
- �?Thunderbolt 3/USB-C is faster than Ethernet, so there’s no need for an Ethernet port.
- With Wi-Fi becoming more ubiquitous, there’s less need for an Ethernet port.
- �?Apple wants to keep the design of the MacBook Pro as clean and minimal as possible.
- An Ethernet port would add bulk to the MacBook Pro.
An Ethernet port would require a separate power adapter: When you plug in an Ethernet cable into your computer, you’re also plugging in another device that needs its own power source and will cause clutter if left plugged in all the time.
It’s not just ethernet cables that can be problematic – USB plugs can also get mixed up and damaged over time which is another reason why Apple doesn’t want them cluttering their sleek laptops!
It’s speculated that people use Ethernet ports too infrequently nowadays (perhaps because they rely heavily on cloud storage) or don’t know how to use them properly (again, due to a lack of knowledge or expertise).
Do We Have a Solution to the Lack of an Ethernet Port on MacBooks and Other Computers?
Many new laptops, including the Apple MacBook, have been released without an Ethernet port. While this can be seen as a way to encourage wireless internet use, it poses some problems. For example, if you’re traveling and your only internet access is through an Ethernet connection, you’re out of luck.
Fortunately, there are probable solutions to this problem. One is to purchase a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. USB-C adapters are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Another solution is to connect your computer to your iPhone’s hotspot. This option might not be ideal, as it can eat up your data plan, but it’s worth considering if you need internet access and doesn’t have another option.
If you decide to go with the USB-C to Ethernet adapter, make sure that it supports gigabit speeds so that your connection will remain fast. The USB-C to Ethernet adapter connects through the USB Type C port. Plug one end into an available ethernet cable or modem and another end into the laptop.
Remember that this only works for computers with a Type C port; many computers don’t support Type C ports, including Apple’s newest MacBook Pro models (released in December 2016). Luckily, Amazon has many options for these adapters, so you should be able to find one for whatever type of computer you have.
The Pros of Having a USB-C-Based MacBook
The new MacBooks have only USB-C ports, which offer many advantages over traditional USB ports. For one, they’re much faster, so you can transfer data to and from your computer at lightning speeds. The USB-C ports are also more versatile since you can use them for charging and connecting to other devices like monitors and printers.
Some people have complained that the lack of an Ethernet port is a downside, but it’s a minor shortcoming compared to the benefits of having a USB-C-based machine.
Comparing Ethernet with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C
Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C are newer technologies that offer many advantages over Ethernet. They’re faster, more versatile, and more portable. So, do Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C make the Apple MacBook more efficient and quicker than Ethernet connection?
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C can do everything that Ethernet can do.
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C are much more common now than when the first MacBook was released.
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C are just better technologies overall. You get power and data transfer when you connect them to your Mac with a single cable. That means you don’t need another cord to charge your laptop while transferring files.
The only disadvantage with the Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C setups is that if you want Ethernet, you’ll need to buy adapters or spend money on expensive docking stations. But even so, Thunderbolt 3/USB-C has some definite advantages over Ethernet in terms of speed and versatility – not to mention compatibility with future technology changes – so it’s probably best for Apple to leave Ethernet out of their latest laptop release.
What Is an Ethernet Adapter?
An Ethernet adapter is a device you can put into your computer to make it compatible with a wired network. It’s easy to install, just like installing another type of hardware. You can also use an Ethernet adapter to connect your computer to a wireless network instead of a wired one. It helps those who want to play games online, as they usually require them to be connected to the internet to play.
Anyone can use an Ethernet adapter, and they can use it on any computer or laptop with an Ethernet port. There are specific adapters for MacBooks, so if you want one specifically for Apple MacBooks, use the Apple MacBook Ethernet Adapter.
What is the Apple MacBook Pro Ethernet Adapter?
The Apple MacBook Pro Ethernet Adapter is used instead of a USB Ethernet adapter. The manufacturer designed it for the new MacBook Pro models, but it works on any computer with a Thunderbolt 3 port. The adapter has two ports: one connecting to your computer and another to your wired network.
The adapter is great because it allows you to connect to wired networks without using a USB port or adding extra bulk. However, some downsides include the Apple Pro Ethernet Adapter costing around thirty dollars more than the D-Link DUB-1312 Network USB 3.0. The difference doesn’t seem much, but it adds up over time and can become annoying.
What is a Thunderbolt 3 Port?
The new 12-inch MacBook has a Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop’s right side. A new connectivity standard uses a single cable to connect a computer to a 4k display or a 5k display. Thunderbolt 3 supports data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s, connects multiple devices, and is compatible with Thunderbolt 2.
Is it Worth Getting a USB-C to Ethernet Adapter?
There are a few reasons why you should get a USB-C to Ethernet adapter for your MacBook Pro. These reasons include:
- It allows you to connect your computer directly to your network without wireless connections or routers. It is helpful if you don’t have a wireless connection or router available in your home or office and need one to connect your computer.
- It is helpful if you have a slow internet connection and are too impatient to wait for it. As long as you have a wired connection nearby, you’ll be able to connect your MacBook Pro to the internet and start browsing.
The Bottom Line
Technological innovations have changed much. The way we perceived things a few years back isn’t the same today. When MacBooks came without an Ethernet port, many people were skeptical, wondering how to connect the device to Ethernet. However, users learned quickly that the machines have thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports that make the browsing speed faster and reduce clutter.
Reference 1: https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/which-adapters-do-you-need-to-connect-to-your-macbook.html
Reference 2: https://www.macbookproslow.com/how-to-connect-macbook-pro-to-ethernet/