You can use the Thunderbolt port on your Mac to connect a monitor, TV, or device, such as an external storage device. And you can connect your Mac to a display that uses DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, or VGA with the appropriate adapter.
About Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), Thunderbolt/USB-4, and Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
A Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port is available on some newer Mac computers with Intel chips. Mac computers with an Apple chip have either a Thunderbolt/USB-4 port or a Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) port, depending on the model. These ports allow for data transfer, video output, and charging over the same cable.
About the cable
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), Thunderbolt/USB-4, and Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C): USB devices only work with USB cables. If you're using the wrong cable, the device won't work even if the connector on the cable fits the device and the Mac. You can use Thunderbolt or USB cables with Thunderbolt devices.
Use a USB-C cable with a Mac.
Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2: Use only Thunderbolt cables for Thunderbolt devices and Mini DisplayPort extension cables for Mini DisplayPort devices. If you're using the wrong cable, the device won't work even if the connector on the cable fits the device and the Mac.
about the power cord
The Thunderbolt port on a Mac provides power to multiple connected Thunderbolt devices, often without the need for a separate power cord for each device. Check the documentation that came with the device to see if the device requires more power than the Thunderbolt port can provide.
If you have a Mac laptop
Using a Thunderbolt device that doesn't come with a power cord may cause your Mac notebook's battery to drain faster. If you plan on using this type of device for an extended period of time, it's best to plug your Mac laptop or Thunderbolt device into a power source.
When plugging a Thunderbolt device into a power source, be sure to disconnect the device from the Mac, plug the device into a power source, and then connect the device to the Mac. Otherwise, the device will continue to be powered by the Mac.
About connecting multiple Thunderbolt devices
Depending on your Mac, you may be able to connect multiple Thunderbolt devices to each other and then chain the devices to the Thunderbolt end of the Mac. See Connect one or more external displays to Mac.
