Apple to Fix Resolution Issue With Ultrawide Displays on M1 Macs in Future macOS Update

[Tech198]

Is there any reason apart from aesthetics to have one of these monitors and not just place two ordinary monitors side by side?

Visually appealing

 

[Pearple]

My Intel Mac mini works like charm with by curved ultra wide LG. Because Intel.

 

[Pressure]

I meant fully support, i.e. 8k@60Hz, which is the native refresh rate of the display.

These different standards are confusing, but it seems fully supporting 8k@60Hz requires three things:

1) An OS that can properly handle it, which means displaying text and all the UI elements at a readable size.

2) A GPU that can produce 8k output

3) The capability to deliver 8k@60 Hz with a single connector. I think DP 1.4 can do that, but the signal must be compressed (using DSC) (which is claimed to be "visually lossless"). The AS Macs have USB 4.0, which can support DP 2.0. And DP 2.0 can deliver 8k@60Hz without compression over a single connector. But do the AS Macs have DP 2.0?

So where are the current AS Macs/Big Sur on nos. 1-3? I didn't think they meet all three criteria, which is why I'm wondering if the next gen might.

Sure, the Dell UP3218K needs two DisplayPort 1.4 ports to drive the monitor at 60Hz. A single cable can do 8K@30Hz.

The two tiles are 3840x4320 for a combined 7680x4320 pixels.

I already run the monitor at 8K@30Hz in MacOS on my old Mac Pro.

It does not need DSC and it doesn’t even support it.

 

[kevcube]

Unless you have been under a rock, there has been numerous reports of issues with external displays with the new M1 Macs... with ultra wides being the most problematic of them all.

People have probably bought more adapters than you can shake a stick at trying to get their displays to work with the new M1s... only to discover, it was the M1 Macs all along that had the issue. Apple told them it was their device or adapter was the problem... or that it was outright unsupported... until that molehill turned into a mountain of complaints and returns.

M1 Macs aren't the shiny wonder kids all the streamers made them out to be. They have issues whether anyone wants to admit it or not. And remember... Apple will be the last to admit anything. And they just admitted they have a problem... a problem any streamer should have caught because every user out there did.

As a professional computer user (software engineer) who has been using my m1 mbp as a daily driver since it arrived on release day (except for docker tasks, which NOW work on M1!!!)

they are not a bunch of issues. I’d be glad to talk about it if they were. Instead I’m even happier to talk about how amazing the experience has been.
Granted I’m already familiar with using Unix in multi arch environment, but that isn’t necessary. If my grandma were shopping for a new computer I’d make sure she bought an M1 model.

yes they can’t run multiple external displays. I read the fine print and knew that before day 1. I attempted on my roommates multi monitor setup the day I got mine, and my fears were confirmed. But I use one 27” 4k60 HDR display, the internal LCD (which is downright gorgeous btw) and iPad sidecar, which gives me more monitor than I really need.

anyway they’re awesome machines with almost no problems for the avg consumer.

 

[kevcube]

eGPU support would be nice too...

The issue is probably not Apple here, it’s the fact that GPU drivers are not yet written using Apple’s DriverKit. I believe that we MAY see AMD GPU support come to M1 because I think USB4 is capable.

 

[chucker23n1]

The issue is probably not Apple here, it’s the fact that GPU drivers are not yet written using Apple’s DriverKit. I believe that we MAY see AMD GPU support come to M1 because I think USB4 is capable.

I don’t believe DriverKit supports GPU drivers yet.

 

[ericwn]

mmm...how about: Apple does not make any external monitors at all, so why support any resolution other than native for the macbook anyway??

But they do make at least one monitor.

 

[ericwn]

View attachment 1699820

“We’re so excited to introduce the next-generation M2 Apple Silicon processor that now supports up to 28 inches of display resolution on virtually any display.

And when you add another machine with an M2 processor, you can run another display. That’s M2 from Apple.”

Shivering for the day when someone refers to resolutions in inches for real.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

Is there any reason apart from aesthetics to have one of these monitors and not just place two ordinary monitors side by side?

Yes. I‘ll let someone else explain the eye focusing & strain issue with that, as well as why we don’t put a center column in the middle of 2 flat planes in your cars windshield anymore, and just say your question works better inverted.

 

[theorist9]

Sure, the Dell UP3218K needs two DisplayPort 1.4 ports to drive the monitor at 60Hz. A single cable can do 8K@30Hz.

The two tiles are 3840x4320 for a combined 7680x4320 pixels.

I already run the monitor at 8K@30Hz in MacOS on my old Mac Pro.

It does not need DSC and it doesn’t even support it.

I never said the 8k Dell needed DSC. I said (as a general comment about DP 1.4) that you would need DSC (which gives 3:1 compression) to drive 8k@60 Hz from a single DP 1.4 connector.

But since, as you explained, the Dell 8k doesn't have DSC, that's not an option, which is why it needs the two connectors. Yet, unfortunately, as you said here (https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...pro-2019.2216610/?post=28086256#post-28086256), you've been unable to get this display running at 8k@60Hz with two connectors with an Intel Mac.

Thus while it seems it should fully run with an Intel Mac, it doesn't; and that's seemingly more b/c of a lack of Apple support than b/c of any hardware limitations.

Hence my question remains: Will things be any different with the next gen of AS Mac (which will presumably include models with two or more DP outputs)?

 

[theorist9]

yes they can’t run multiple external displays. I read the fine print and knew that before day 1. I attempted on my roommates multi monitor setup the day I got mine, and my fears were confirmed. But I use one 27” 4k60 HDR display, the internal LCD (which is downright gorgeous btw) and iPad sidecar, which gives me more monitor than I really need.

But the OP wasn't about multiple external displays, it was about about ultrawides. And, in fairness, given that these can't run ultrawides properly, shouldn't Apple have mentioned that in the fine print?

Even now, the specs for the AS MBP and Air continue to say they support "One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz", with no qualifier, even though Apple knows that's not true (other posters have said Apple has acknowledged they are working on a fix).

 

[MecPro]

Windows is still a **** fest with monitors. Win 10 got better but it's no where near Mac OS. Most of the cool Windows Multi-Monitor setup requires paid setup for basic features. Glad that Win 10 added the ability to put a start bar on both. It still gets confused at times.

Not really bothered with the features but the resolution is better. There’s no denying that MacOS is trash with monitors that aren’t their own.

My Win10 machine renders perfectly fine in comparison to OSX which I’ve essentially dumped to just being used unconnected from my monitors.

 

[Cydoniaworld]

Is there any reason apart from aesthetics to have one of these monitors and not just place two ordinary monitors side by side?

More continuous screen width with no centre disruption a 2x monitor setup causes. It makes a huge difference if you use a timeline - Logic Pro / Final Cut etc.

 

[AdAstra]

Pro Display XDR

Pro Display XDR. A new 32-inch Retina 6K display with extreme brightness, contrast, color accuracy, and HDR that transforms the way you work.

www.apple.com

Apple "assembles" this monitor. It is actually an LG panel:

LG Display to Supply Panels for Apple's High-End Monitor ‘Pro Display XDR’

LG Display will supply liquid crystal display (LCD) panels to Apple for its high-end monitor “Pro Display XDR,” which was unveiled at WWDC 2019 on June 3.The 3

www.businesskorea.co.kr

 

[MikhailT]

Apple "assembles" this monitor. It is actually an LG panel:

LG Display to Supply Panels for Apple's High-End Monitor ‘Pro Display XDR’

LG Display will supply liquid crystal display (LCD) panels to Apple for its high-end monitor “Pro Display XDR,” which was unveiled at WWDC 2019 on June 3.The 3

www.businesskorea.co.kr

Your point is..? They don't make the panels for the MacBooks either as per the original post. Generally, when talking about Apple making stuff, it is generally assumed we're talking about the assembled products, not the specific parts. XDR is not a simple LG LCD panel.

And that is true for all of their products and pretty much all of PC OEMs. Apple doesn't make any of their chips either.

 

[chucker23n1]

Apple "assembles" this monitor. It is actually an LG panel:

LG Display to Supply Panels for Apple's High-End Monitor ‘Pro Display XDR’

LG Display will supply liquid crystal display (LCD) panels to Apple for its high-end monitor “Pro Display XDR,” which was unveiled at WWDC 2019 on June 3.The 3

www.businesskorea.co.kr

There are very few panel manufacturers, and a panel does not make a monitor (for example, Apple makes its own timing controller, and the XDR in particular has a fair number of Apple-specific tricks).

 

[LillDrutten]

Will they also fix the very slow handshake of resolutions? I use a KVM (aten) and the M1 are so slow to respond that the KVM switch things that there is nothing connected. Some times it take 3-4 tries to get it to display anything. And then it take minutes to get it to operate. A Intel based Mac take a few seconds. Apple new graphics might be fast, but it working poorly!

 

[4jasontv]

Hi
What is the cable? I have the Samsung G9 49 inch monitor and had the resolution issue. Have fixed it by buying switchresx for £13. Now running at full resolution.
Josh

Really? What cable? I just used the USB-C cable that came with the Dell monitor. Not all USB-C cables are alike. Some only charge, some only carry usb data, some do video via displayport protocol, and some do thunderbolt.

After talking with Apple for a while I ended up having to get the Moshi USB C to DisplayPort Cable. I didn't need to use the SitchResX solution as the Moshi cable enabled the native resolution. It's weird because I am able to run the G9 via an HDMI and USB C hub with Windows.

I mean, it works for me now but ideally I shouldn't have to buy (what I consider) an overpriced cable to replicate the function of a USB hub. Maybe it has something to do with Apple fixing it with DisplayPort but not HDMI?

 

[josh bear]

After talking with Apple for a while I ended up having to get the Moshi USB C to DisplayPort Cable. I didn't need to use the SitchResX solution as the Moshi cable enabled the native resolution. It's weird because I am able to run the G9 via an HDMI and USB C hub with Windows.

I mean, it works for me now but ideally I shouldn't have to buy (what I consider) an overpriced cable to replicate the function of a USB hub. Maybe it has something to do with Apple fixing it with DisplayPort but not HDMI?

Thanks for coming back. I connect through a thunderbolt dock so that solution wouldn't work for me. So I went with switchres X and can confirm it works with the Samsung G9 49 inch screen.

Josh

 

[lawrencejuliano]

i have a 49" dell 4919 monitor and a new M1 Mini on order. looking forward to seeing the 5120x1440@60 in action. I'm using switches on my 2013 trashcan mac pro on it now. How is your Mini connected to your LG, TB3/USBC? HDMI? or some adapter? Thx

It’s connected through USB-C, works flawlessly.

 

[lawrencejuliano]

Did you have to buy a special cable? Because requiring a $50 - $100 cable isn’t a true solution. Not if boot camp can use an $8 one.

Nope just using the USB-C cable that came with my monitor.

 

[4jasontv]

Nope just using the USB-C cable that came with my monitor.

Are you using usb c to usb c or are you using usb c to DisplayPort or HDMI?

 

[4jasontv]

Thanks for coming back. I connect through a thunderbolt dock so that solution wouldn't work for me. So I went with switchres X and can confirm it works with the Samsung G9 49 inch screen.

Josh

Does the dock also have hdmi?

 

[josh bear]

Does the dock also have hdmi?

Hi

No. it is this one. https://www.elgato.com/en/dock/thunderbolt-3-pro

Works really well with my external HDs and charges the MacBook. The G9 connects through the DP.
Josh

 

[z3sty]

Absolutely. I went from two 24" monitors (1920 x 1080) to one 34" ultrawide monitor (3440 x 1440).

One larger monitier gives me more options for where to place applications, especially if I want to place an app in the middle of the screen. With 2 monitors, in Mac and Windows, I was not able to have an app display on both (although this could have been ignorance on my part).

I also now have one set of cables for the monitor instead of 2 sets of cables for 2 monitors.

Finally, the amount of space that the one ultrawide monitor takes up on my work desk is less that the 2 smaller monitors.

I am much moe productive with the 1 ultrawide as compared to the 2 smaller normal aspect ratio monitors.

Granted, like almost every other computing decision there is no one right answer for everyone. For example, based on reviews I read back when I made my decision to get an ultrawide:

1. Not many premium / high end games support ultrawide resolutions
2. Non-ultrawide monitors can have better characteristics at a similar price point - color support, refresh rate, resolution, etceteras.

I bought an AOC 34" ultrawide monitor for about $450 (USD). There are better ultrawide monitors, for a noticeably higher price, that should eliminate the second point above. But you would be looking at $750 to $1000 (USD) or more.

Stats for my monitor:
AOC CU34G2X 34" ultrawide
Resolution in macOS Big Sur: 3440 x 1440 (there are other resolutions but I prefer the maximum)
Refresh rate at this resolution in macOS Big Sur: 60 Hz
I get the resolution and refresh rate in a 2014 Mac mini and a 2020 M1 MacBook Pro.

I have the exact same AOC monitor as you and ever since big sur, I am no longer able to run it at 144hz. Stuck at 60hz