PSA: Neo won't work with some MacBook USB-C hubs

Accessory makers warn that dual-port USB-C hubs made for MacBooks aren't compatible with the Neo.

- SIMON JARY

While the MacBook Neo's USB-C ports look the same as the Thunderbolt ports on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, Apple's new budget laptop won't work with every USB-C hub on the market, including some of Macworld's favorites.

Since USB-C is forward and backward compatible, most single-port USB-C hubs work just fine with the Neo's USB 3 port, even if they're made for Thunderbolt or USB 4. However, some USB-C hubs-such as the Anker 547, Satechi Pro Hub Max, and Plugable AMS-5IN1E-take advantage of both of the MacBook's side-by-side ports to supply both charging and data transfer by having a double-USB-C connector from hub to Mac. By using both ports, the bandwidth is not compromised by the need to supply power to the laptop, and they can attach neatly to the left side of the Mac without blocking any connections.

Anker's 555 USB-C hub works with the MacBook Neo.

Since the Neo's USB-C ports are not equal (fave.co/41435UI)-the rear USB 3 port boasts a data rate of 10Gbps, while the front USB 2 port is really only fit for charging or attaching a low-data device such as a wired mouse or keyboard-you need to make sure that you connect single-port hubs to the rear 10Gbps port on the Neo to get full speeds (Apple helpfully warns you if you try to connect something to the wrong Neo port).