Mac External Monitor Support
Users discuss compatibility, limitations, and workarounds for connecting single or multiple external displays to MacBooks, especially M1/M-series models via Thunderbolt, USB-C, and adapters, including specific monitors like LG Ultrafine and resolutions up to 5K.
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Apple doesn't do this on external monitors that aren't Apple displays BTW
I’ve always used my MacBook pros with external displays and haven’t ever had these issues. I use a Samsung 4K monitor that I’ve had for a few years now, but even before that I don’t remember having issues. Max mini also works fine with the same.
The new macbooks with thunderbolt potentially solve this because you can hook up more than one monitor there. Only on the 15" macbook though.
This seems laptop specific, i.e. having the MacBook + 2x external extended displays via Thunderbolt. I think surely the Mac Mini M1 works with 2x monitors though (extended)? Has anyone tested this?
I hope they also allow at least two displays to be connected instead of the one display limitation on the latest MacBooks
What is the limitation with external monitors on the new M1 MBP?
Maybe you should get another MacBook Pro Retina and use it as an external monitor.
macos only supports multiple display outputs over one cable if it's thunderbolt.
Agreed. I have a retina mbp that I use as the 3rd screen plugged into a 4K monitor over usbc and a 1920x1200 over dp. Everything works fine. Windows stay in the right place when plugging/unplugging, etc... My eyes also thank me every time I look at the 4K text on my main monitor. I’m debating buying another one and dumping the 1920 monitor.
I use my MBP with 4 different external monitors (all different types, Apple, Samsung, Acer and Dell), two at a time, and it almost always works. Once in a blue moon something glitchy happens, not sure if that's reasonable performance or extraordinary performance given I haven't seen any other platform do as well.