Thunderbolt 3 technology is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2, however adapters are required since Thunderbolt 3 uses a different interface than the previous generations. Additionally, some features unique to Thunderbolt 3 devices, such as charging capability, may not work when using adapters.

Are Thunderbolt 2 and 3 the same?

– Thunderbolt 2 provides two bi-directional 10 Gbps channels, which can transmits and receive data at the same time, meaning a total of 20 Gbps outbound and 20 Gbps inbound. ... Thunderbolt 3, on the other hand, provides two bi-directional 20 Gbps channels, providing a total of 40 Gbps outbound and 40 Gbps inbound.

Is Thunderbolt 3 downward compatible?

Not only is Thunderbolt 3 compatible with a range of other standards, but it's also backwards-compatible with previous versions of Thunderbolt – as long as you have the right adapters.