MacBook Air – How to Connect New MacBook Air to Cinema Display

You don't need to use an adaptor (supposedly) -- thunderbolt ports are the same as mini display ports, so according to Apple you do not need an adaptor, because it "will work just like it was connecting to a Mini DisplayPort connector when plugging in directly to the Thunderbolt connector on your Apple computer."

That said, I am also trying to figure out how it works, because it doesn't for me currently. But it is "supposed to".

Some links:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5219#11

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3382#3a

After weeks of trial and error, I have finally achieved 2560x1600 resolution on my Apple 30-inch Cinema Display connected to my MacBook Pro,15-inch, 2016 laptop.

The trick is to go from USB-C to Mini Display Port (MDP), then to dual-link DVI. Unfortunately, this does take two adapters, but at least the full monitor's resolution is supported.

I used the following adapters:

• USB Type C Adapter (Amazon Link)
• Dual-link DVI adapter (Monoprice Link)

Also to note, the DVI adapter needs to be powered by the attached USB connector, and the monitor break out cable USB also needs to be attached to the MacBook.

A bit of a cabling challenge, but everything is now working 100%. Andreas came up with a substantially similar solution, but with different brands and gets the answer bonus!