Apple's New M1 Chip Brings 6K Display Support to Mac Mini and Base 13-Inch MacBook Pro For the First Time

[gugy]

The LG Ultrafine 5K fills this gap. As an owner there are a few minor nitpicks I have with it that I believe a fully Apple-branded device would have avoided (a different/seemingly lower quality 1080p camera compared to iMac, slight wobble, the three USB-C ports could provide a tad bit more power when devices are plugged in. Also those USB 3.1 ports could have been Gen 2 not Gen 1 on this revision. At least the primary Thunderbolt/USB-C will charge things very quickly in a pinch.)

Otherwise than those small annoyances, I find the build quality quite good. It came well packaged, the base is metal (heavy as a result), the included cables were well wrapped and seem very durable with quite a bit of length – close to 2m I’d say. Looks a bit boring compared to Stainless Steel, sure. But also more refined than the random shiny plastic BenQ it replaced.

The Ultrafine 5K shares the same panel as the iMac 5K. It also offers auto-brightness, true tone, glass, speaker, mic’s, etc. So side-by-side they work well together as the pixel density, size and colours all match. If you want that nice crisp 5K iMac look for your Mini or MacBook, it is a reasonable option.

I have mine attached to a 5K iMac, so it is easy to offer the panel quality comparison.

Yes, I am aware of the LG display but still, Apple could have a branded display. No reason unless there is some sort of deal between Apple and LG that prevents that to happen.
While the LG display screen quality is good, the look and plastic parts just make it look cheap. Personal opinion.

 

[iSayuSay]

It depends on the resolution of the TV. Because of how long these things gets used, this is pretty good future proofing.

future proofing is a loose term in the world of technology. How future-proof you can get? 5 years, 10 years? It’s not that long ago the $trash-can MacPro is considered a high end workstation with unique design.

Now Apple treats it just like any other poor old Macs. Going to vintage, and soon.. obsolete. Same thing with the original gold Apple Watch Edition.

If the line of work allows you to buy the 6K Apple Pro Display then great, but future proofing it is not. Better buy a 4K monitor every 5 years, still end up cheaper.

 

[AxiomaticRubric]

my 2020 i7 MacBook Pro struggles with my 4k display, but I blame Intel's garbage GPU for that. Any improvement in performance in graphical capability is a welcome improvement. I kinda of wish I got the 16" with the AMD GPU but I didn't want a big laptop, I love the size of the 13".

That is very surprising to me. I have a 4k Acer monitor connected to a 2016 13" MacBook Pro (DisplayPort to USB-C cable) and there have been no discernable issues.

The new M1 Macs should be able to handle 4k monitors quite well.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

it's overkill for this, I've seen places using apple tv's for this.

Apple TV’s don’t work too well as a digital white board.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

future proofing is a loose term in the world of technology. How future-proof you can get? 5 years, 10 years? It’s not that long ago the $trash-can MacPro is considered a high end workstation with unique design.

Now Apple treats it just like any other poor old Macs. Going to vintage, and soon.. obsolete. Same thing with the original gold Apple Watch Edition.

If the line of work allows you to buy the 6K Apple Pro Display then great, but future proofing it is not. Better buy a 4K monitor every 5 years, still end up cheaper.

I’ve seen places still using a 2012 mini. Sometimes it just needs to able to run a light display/whiteboard app or browser that any computer from the past 10 years can handle. If a company moves to a 6k display in 5 years when it becomes more affordable, this will still work perfectly well.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

There's a lot of personal preference involved here. I run a 27" 3840x2160 at "default for this display" in High Sierra, and I am happy with it. Yes, the UI is somewhat bigger, but the UI only takes up a small percentage of the screen real estate, and, regardless of this, I custom-adjust the display size in my applications to whatever is required to enable me to view the amount of information I need to be able to see at once (e.g., more magnification for smaller spreadsheets, less for larger).

I understand, but Apple has been pretty meticulous about PPI on Mac displays they ship and label as "Retina". The link I posted explains:

"Apple’s interface design in macOS is set up so it is comfortable for most people at a density of about 110 pixels per inch for non-Retina, and about 220 pixels per inch for Retina — text is readable and button targets are easy to hit at a normal viewing distance. Using a display that isn’t close to 110PPI or 220PPI means text and interface elements will either be too big, or too small."

Not adhering to this and using a display in the red area is still fine if you like it. It's just not in line with what Apple ships for Macs and also why the Pro Display XDR didn't just blow up the 5K iMac's 5120x2880px resolution to 32", instead opting for 6016x3384px to maintain the self-imposed Retina threshold of ~215+ PPI.

 

[stevet]

I know it will be a few years and Apple will support Intel systems for a while but at some point they won't and it already has a lot very weary of investing money and time in a closed ecosystem. I'm all for improvements in power and efficiency but at what cost? I wonder what would have happened if Apple didn't cut their departments working with Intel and Intel leadership hadn't become a mess.

I think you’ll see that if the market is big enough for a particular architecture then they will move over. Your words have been spoken before when it comes to changes like this and most of the time none of it comes to fruition.

 

[theorist9]

I understand, but Apple has been pretty meticulous about PPI on Mac displays they ship and label as "Retina". The link I posted explains:

"Apple’s interface design in macOS is set up so it is comfortable for most people at a density of about 110 pixels per inch for non-Retina, and about 220 pixels per inch for Retina — text is readable and button targets are easy to hit at a normal viewing distance. Using a display that isn’t close to 110PPI or 220PPI means text and interface elements will either be too big, or too small."

Not adhering to this and using a display in the red area is still fine if you like it. It's just not in line with what Apple ships for Macs and also why the Pro Display XDR didn't just blow up the 5K iMac's 5120x2880px resolution to 32", instead opting for 6016x3384px to maintain the self-imposed Retina threshold of ~215+ PPI.

Yes, they have been meticulous about that, but for a more fundamental reason: With the loss of subpixel rendering in all OS's after High Sierra, you need retina density for text to look sharp*. That's actually why I've stayed with High Sierra—with the subpixel rendering, text is sharp on my 160 ppi 27" 4k. But for any later OS's, you need a retina-class monitor, which means 5k for a 27", and 6k for a 32". I.e., the fundamental reason they consistently stay with ~220 ppi for monitors is text sharpness. The sizing of the UI simply follows from this pixel density.

In sum, the foremost reason they are maintaining consistent pixel density isn't to have consistent UI size, it's to have have consistent text sharpness. Having a somewhat larger UI isn't a big deal. Having blurry text is. That, after all, was the whole point of "retina" monitors in the first place. And, with 160 ppi and subpixel rendering, my text is pretty sharp, thus (mostly) achieving Apple's principal goal for using retina monitors.

[*You can re-implement subpixel rendering in Mojave with a Terminal command, but text still doesn't look as crisp as with High Sierra.]

 

[flapflapflap]

Noob here --- any thoughts on whether the m1 MBP will work well and support LG's 34 inch ultra wide 5K2K monitor? It's TB3 configured. Sounds like a lot of pixels to push for an entry level MBP.

 

[theorist9]

Noob here --- any thoughts on whether the m1 MBP will work well and support LG's 34 inch ultra wide 5K2K monitor? It's TB3 configured. Sounds like a lot of pixels to push for an entry level MBP.

Yes, it can drive a single 6k display so 5k2k would be no problem.

From: https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro-13/specs/

 

[flapflapflap]

Yes, it can drive a single 6k display so 5k2k would be no problem.

From: https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro-13/specs/

View attachment 1660328

sweet, thank you

 

[iSayuSay]

I’ve seen places still using a 2012 mini. Sometimes it just needs to able to run a light display/whiteboard app or browser that any computer from the past 10 years can handle. If a company moves to a 6k display in 5 years when it becomes more affordable, this will still work perfectly well.

That 2012 Mini can easily be a dusty Core 2 Duo, or 1st gen Intel Core i5 Windows PC, which is much cheaper to operates a merely basic script or video playback. In which case, it's just as future-proof as the 2012 Mini, which is way more expensive when it was new.

I'll be honest, I don't have the financial capability to justify the current price of Apple Pro Display. But I could justify a 2020 M1 Mac Mini that should work really well with my 27" 4K Dell U2720Q, which probably not as nice-looking, but still does the job until 6K goes mainstream.

 

[sean+mac]

This is correct. I reached out to Apple about this exact thing. I have 3 displays I want to power, that the total number of pixels is slightly less than a single 6k monitor, and they told it can't do it. Really strange. It sounds like it's a software thing, if the computer can handle 6k no problems.

It may also be a video spec thing. The 2020 iMac can run two 6K XDR screens but only one 5K Ultrafine screens. Go figure. The short version as to why has to do with newer video compression capabilities which allows more to be driven off the same single Thunderbolt bus. The display needs to support it as well.

Noob here --- any thoughts on whether the m1 MBP will work well and support LG's 34 inch ultra wide 5K2K monitor? It's TB3 configured. Sounds like a lot of pixels to push for an entry level MBP.

About to go to bed so not going to look up the specs another poster shared with you. I’d double check the detailed specs list contains your exact resolution, supported colour range, etc to be 100% sure. Kind of similar reason to what I stated above with regards to the 6K using newer protocols. But you’re probably fine tbh as it is a single display.

 

[anthorumor]

In 2 years’ time, 6K TVs might be cheap. Maybe. Then you can finally plug in your first gen Apple Silicon computer into it.

 

[JeepGuy]

In 2 years’ time, 6K TVs might be cheap. Maybe. Then you can finally plug in your first gen Apple Silicon computer into it.

You mean 8K tv's, no one is making 6k tv's, and will the Mini be able to run one of those, there was no mention of that.

 

[CJ Dorschel]

I think you’ll see that if the market is big enough for a particular architecture then they will move over. Your words have been spoken before when it comes to changes like this and most of the time none of it comes to fruition.

I hope. Sincerely. The ARM CPU’s that are now out with 124 or 128 (I forget now) cores look amazing and would be perfect for workstations.

Again, my only concern is Microsoft has no financial benefit in producing a ARM version of windows beyond what’s used on their tablets. That’s the main point that concerns me. Especially as many people still need to use windows. When Apple switched to Intel, there were a lot of people in the company that I knew who said sales of Mac’s skyrocketed more as the appeal and need of using windows on a Mac brought in more consumers than the iPod and iPhone. People got a taste of Mac’s with the iPod and iPhone, but the selling point that addressed concerns was being able to use Windows. A lot of people who never used a Mac especially liked that ability even if they never used it for windows, it was more psychological. Then businesses jumped into Apple due to Windows support and consumers who needed a windows system but preferred a Mac jumped into the market.

Apple is smart by introducing silicon Mac’s with the Air and 13” Pro first during the transition as most who buy those don’t need Windows emulation or cold booting. By the time they get to pro level equipment I am hoping Microsoft and other companies produce Apple silicon versions of their products. 🤞🏼

 

[CJ Dorschel]

And to make it worst the Pro XDR isn't even anywhere close to being a reference monitor. It is good, very good professional monitor. But not reference. And even in the similar spec it is still very expensive compared to other expensive Pro monitor.

I know many don’t like the LG 5K UltraFine displays but back when they came out I updated my 27” LED displays to three of them and never had a problem (knock on wood). They’re the first gen models which had shielding issues when near WiFi routers and I never experienced that issue even with an Extreme Base Station and now WiFi 6 node a few feet away. Maybe I got lucky (KNOCK ON WOOD).

I actually don’t mind the aesthetics, either. The black frame disappears and I like the black metal stand that’s adjustable. I never understood the hate for them. They were priced well for the display.

I recall reading here that Apple isn’t selling them anymore? I wonder if they are working on another display that would fit in with the rumored smaller Mac Pro, which I’m guessing may be the mid-tower that some speculate is the new Mac Pro referenced in rumors. Hoping beyond hope that is the case. 🤞🏼

 

[sean+mac]

I recall reading here that Apple isn’t selling them anymore? I wonder if they are working on another display that would fit in with the rumored smaller Mac Pro, which I’m guessing may be the mid-tower that some speculate is the new Mac Pro referenced in rumors. Hoping beyond hope that is the case. 🤞🏼

They still sell them, refreshed summer 2019 – a minor update that allows USB-C based video input (iPad Pro). Currently shipping in 3-5 business days in Canada. There were some mid-year stock issues this summer which triggered a MacRumors article. Funny, I could have sworn the refresh was this year but the internet says otherwise. Maybe this year's stock issues were just due to a COVID working-from-home run on monitors or due to factory shutdowns?

I got one in the past month and am pretty happy with it. My post history shows that I have some of minor nitpicks with it, but am otherwise reminding people Apple does sell some monitors that are not $6K when it comes up. Especially with comments like "I wish they would just sell the 5k iMac screen standalone." They do. No, it isn't branded Apple or 100% up to Apple's full quality standards. But it is (more-or-less) exclusively sold through their own distribution channels and featured in their stores.

 

[MacBH928]

Might be worth double-checking easily verified stuff before posting incorrect info and creating confusion...


View attachment 1659697

"The 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 processor can connect only a single external display at a time in conjunction with the laptop's screen. It supports up to 6K at 60Hz just like the MacBook Air."

Source: https://appleinsider.com/articles/2...nges-monitor-support-and-what-you-can-connect

 

[deeddawg]

"The 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 processor can connect only a single external display at a time in conjunction with the laptop's screen. It supports up to 6K at 60Hz just like the MacBook Air."

Source: https://appleinsider.com/articles/2...nges-monitor-support-and-what-you-can-connect

Note the bold text.

That statement does not necessarily preclude dual external displays in clamshell mode when the laptop's screen is not being used.

My point is people are making an assumption based on faulty logic -- it may be that dual externals are supported in clamshell mode. Nothing currently says it isn't. Nothing currently says it is. We don't know -- yet folks are spinning up in a tizzy over the matter.

 

[rainfan]

You can probably play mobile games on here - that's about it. Mac's were never AAA gaming platforms. If you are buying a non-Intel Mac, then you are looking to run purely Apple products, mobile games and niceties like external GPUs are no longer an option. You still pay the same price (or higher). If you need Windows, you should think about changing. Surface and Dell XPS devices are far better for running Windows, Windows apps and games than any form of emulation.

The latest Intel 11th Gen laptops with Intel Xe graphics can play triple A rated games at 1080p. The Intel / AMD war is heating up and Apple have decided to bail. You need to be honest about what you want.

The M+ has more horsepower than Intel’s Xe.

 

[Kcetech1]

Note the bold text.

That statement does not necessarily preclude dual external displays in clamshell mode when the laptop's screen is not being used.

My point is people are making an assumption based on faulty logic -- it may be that dual externals are supported in clamshell mode. Nothing currently says it isn't. Nothing currently says it is. We don't know -- yet folks are spinning up in a tizzy over the matter.

Its been pointed out in a few threads and on Apples forum that the internal display counts as one video output always. clamshell mode or not. its only ONE external display. on the mini there are 2 displays since the laptop screen is not coupled with the iDP port.

 

[dlewis23]

Integrated silicon and integrated RAM. Seems like you need to lay off the marketing material for a little while.

It goes back to it being a SOC, it's not the same thing as an intel intergraded GPU. This is dedicated GPU cores living on the same piece of silicon as the CPU and many other parts of the computer. It allows them to talk to each other much faster. This is very different than a traditional PC has been, the old ideas and terms don't really longer apply.

It's a very different architecture and a very different way of doing things.

 

[ayembee]

who buys a cheap Mac mini and spends 5 grand on a 6k display??

come on.

People who realise that the “cheap Mac Mini” is running what is literally the fastest (single core) CPU on the planet? Looks a lot faster than the $6k trashcan Mac Pro build I bought back in 2014, which was perfect for me at the time, and that can’t even run the XDR display... Might be time to trade up (!), heh

(Ok, needs more RAM, but gen2 of this architecture is going to be unreal. Good times ahead!)