220-1101 Question 227
Single answerLightningA user brings in an older Apple MacBook and says it only charges reliably when the charging cable is held at a specific angle. External displays connected through the same port also disconnect intermittently. You inspect the system and confirm the issue occurs with multiple known-good cables and adapters. Which component should the technician identify as the likely failing interface?
- A
Lightning port
- B
USB-C port
- C
Thunderbolt port
- D
Mini DisplayPort
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
This question tests the candidate's ability to distinguish Apple connector types in a support scenario. In A+ Core 1, technicians should recognize Lightning as an Apple mobile-device connector rather than a MacBook laptop charging/display interface. Apple MacBooks historically used MagSafe for charging on many models, and older Apple display-capable ports often involved Thunderbolt using a Mini DisplayPort-shaped connector. The practical takeaway is that 'Lightning' should not be confused with Mac laptop ports. Apple support documentation and technical specifications for MacBook models distinguish Lightning accessories from Thunderbolt, USB-C, Mini DisplayPort, and MagSafe interfaces.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Lightning is Apple's connector commonly used on iPhones, iPads, and accessories, not on MacBook charging/data/display ports. A common misconception is to use 'Lightning' as a general Apple connector term, but MacBooks do not use Lightning for this purpose.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. USB-C is a connector type used on many newer laptops, including some newer MacBooks, for charging and peripherals. However, the question describes an older MacBook and asks for the likely interface associated with both charging and display connectivity in that Apple laptop context. While USB-C can carry both power and video, it is not the best answer for an older MacBook scenario described this way.
- C. Correct.
Correct. On many older Apple MacBook systems, Thunderbolt ports were used for high-speed data and video, and in some model generations the user may rely on Thunderbolt-capable connectivity for external displays and docking-related functions. If the same port is causing intermittent display-related issues across known-good cables/adapters, the technician should identify the Thunderbolt interface as the likely failing port in this scenario.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Mini DisplayPort is a video connector form factor and was used on some Apple systems, but it does not fit the broader scenario as well as Thunderbolt when the port is tied to multifunction external connectivity expectations. Someone might choose this because older Macs used the same physical connector shape for Mini DisplayPort and early Thunderbolt, but Thunderbolt is the more accurate functional interface here.