Is it possible to use 3x 4k60 on the M1 Pro?

[JohnDoe12]

According to Apple, the M1 Pro is only capable of running up to dual 6K displays.

I want to drive three 4K displays at 60fps each, but I don't want to shell out the extra money to get an M1 Max device.

Is it possible for me to get three 4K displays working? I've tried using external docks and just directly plugging in my monitors via USB C and HDMI, but none of it is working.

 

[jav6454]

Apple states that for 3 displays you need the M1 Max if you run directly from the Mac; however, you can use a Thunderbolt hub and bypass that limit.

 

[joevt]

Apple states that for 3 displays you need the M1 Max if you run directly from the Mac; however, you can use a Thunderbolt hub and bypass that limit.

A Thunderbolt hub does not allow adding additional displays. A Thunderbolt hub allows connecting two displays to a single Thunderbolt port but only if the Mac supports two or more external displays.

M1 and M2 can connect 1 external display (M1 Mac mini HDMI counts as internal display).
M1 Pro can connect 2 external displays.
M1 Max can connect 4 external displays.

If you want to connect more displays, then you have to use DisplayLink USB adapter (DisplayLink 4K uses ≈1Gbps using video compression instead of the usual 16Gbps for DisplayPort). Or you can use multiple displays as a single display using a video wall processor (I don't know any that can do multiple 4K displays and I don't know if M1 would allow outputting 7680x2160 or 3840x4320).