Can confirm this works:
14" M3 Max MBP -> Studio Display XDR (47-120Hz HDR) -> OG Studio Display
14" M3 Max MBP -> Studio Display XDR (47-120Hz HDR) -> OG Studio Display
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Studio display XDR Daisy chain .
- Thread starter Delarock
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I can confirm it does NOT work with a M4 Pro Macbook Pro. In fact I cannot even plug them both directly to the Macbook Pro without issues. I have to first plug in the old first and then plug in the second one.
forums.macrumors.com
It is incredibly disappointing to say the least. I'm definitely going to have to return it.
Studio Display XDR Impressions
I did a quick read through and put my Mac Mini into sleep. Came back 5 mins later and I can still feel the fan on the top of the display. Machine was still in sleep. Seems to be more of a macOS decision than a per display problem. I put on the HDR photo profile in display settings and opened up...
forums.macrumors.com
It is incredibly disappointing to say the least. I'm definitely going to have to return it.
Golf7-R
macrumors regular
I can confirm it does NOT work with a M4 Pro Macbook Pro. In fact I cannot even plug them both directly to the Macbook Pro without issues. I have to first plug in the old first and then plug in the second one.
Studio Display XDR Impressions
I did a quick read through and put my Mac Mini into sleep. Came back 5 mins later and I can still feel the fan on the top of the display. Machine was still in sleep. Seems to be more of a macOS decision than a per display problem. I put on the HDR photo profile in display settings and opened up...
It is incredibly disappointing to say the least. I'm definitely going to have to return it.
According to apple it should support both displays!?
This is for a m4 pro Mac mini:
Two external displays
Supports two external displays in the following configuration:- One display up to a native resolution of 8K (7680 x 4320) at 60Hz, 5K (5120 x 2880) at 120Hz, or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 240Hz and one display up to a native resolutions of 6K (6144 x 3456) at 60Hz or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 144Hz over Thunderbolt or HDMI
Where are you seeing this?
M4 Macbook Pro Tech Specs Page - https://support.apple.com/en-us/121553
M4 Mac Mini Tech Specs Page - https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/
M4 Macbook Pro Tech Specs Page - https://support.apple.com/en-us/121553
M4 Mac Mini Tech Specs Page - https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/
Golf7-R
macrumors regular
How many displays can be connected to Mac mini - Apple Support
The number of external displays that you can use at the same time depends on your Mac model and the resolution and refresh rate of each display.
tothemoonsands
macrumors 6502a
I have two Studio XDRs and the M4 Pro Mac mini. When I first plugged them all in, I had a SOTSU 4K 60hz and the two Studio XDRs. All were on and driving 60hz.
After troubleshooting to get 120hz, I was able to get one Studio XDR to 120hz and the other remains 60hz. The SOTSU doesn't turn on (I can run any combo of two, but not all three). I can get that XDR1@120 and XDR2@60 whether I am plugging those direct to Mini or via the OWC TB5 dock (that takes my third rear Mini port and was driving the SOTSU originally).
All in all - amazing display, super happy with it. Having to go from 3 -> 2 monitors, and accept 120+60 for now, but still very much worth it. I would imagine this isn't a problem with M4 Max, and hopefully M5 Pro will solve some of this too.
After troubleshooting to get 120hz, I was able to get one Studio XDR to 120hz and the other remains 60hz. The SOTSU doesn't turn on (I can run any combo of two, but not all three). I can get that XDR1@120 and XDR2@60 whether I am plugging those direct to Mini or via the OWC TB5 dock (that takes my third rear Mini port and was driving the SOTSU originally).
All in all - amazing display, super happy with it. Having to go from 3 -> 2 monitors, and accept 120+60 for now, but still very much worth it. I would imagine this isn't a problem with M4 Max, and hopefully M5 Pro will solve some of this too.
Thanks for sharing! Did you have to change any settings or anything? You simply plugged in both displays without the SOTSU and it just started working?
It appears this article has the answer... For some reason the M4 Pro Mac mini is slightly more capable than the M4 Pro MacBook Pro. I did not realize this limitation otherwise I would have gone with the M4 Max!!
Mac mini M4 Pro
support.apple.com
MacBook Pro M4 Pro
Hoping this can be fixed with a software update but it sounds like there is definitely some hardware limitation.
Mac mini M4 Pro
How many displays can be connected to MacBook Pro - Apple Support
The number of external displays that you can use at the same time depends on your Mac model and the resolution and refresh rate of each display.
MacBook Pro M4 Pro
Hoping this can be fixed with a software update but it sounds like there is definitely some hardware limitation.
tothemoonsands
macrumors 6502a
No settings changes, it just started working. I tried so many different combos so it is all a bit muddled, but another thing that definitely stands out to me is the order you plug them in matters. That first one will be the one that has the 120hz option, even if you later move it down to 60hz, the other display won't re-evaluate and give you the 120hz option. Also, when I tried to change the preset on the 120hz one, it just went black. Had to unplug and re-plug to get it back. I didn't try preset change on the 60hz one because by that point I just wanted to enjoy these displays finally!
Interesting graphic too, thank you. I wish it clearly specified what the max hz is for 5k on the second display. It says 6k@60 or 4K@144 but not 5k..I feel like it may have had 120hz on both at one point in my experimentation (when I was focused on getting the SOTSU connected) but I haven't been able to replicate that so maybe that is just wishful thinking.
I noticed this same thing with my OG Apple Studio Display and Apple Studio Display XDR with My M4 Pro MacBook Pro. If you plug in the OG studio then the Studio XDR then they both get 5K @ 60hz. Haha I had the exact same frustration.
Yeah agreed. I too think those are the best articles that attempt to explain it. You inspired me to try the displays out with my base Mac Mini M4. The frustrating thing to me is that somehow the Mac mini with Thunderbolt 4 which I got for less than $500 runs the exact setup I want to run. Apple Studio Display XDR at 5K @ 120hz and 5K @ 60hz OG Studio Display with no crazy tweaking. It just works. This is the experience I would have expected with my MacBook Pro M4 with Thunderbolt 5 which cost more than $3K.
I thought I was tripping for a bit but this support article definitely confirms it's the case.
I thought about returning the XDR but I think I might run with the Base Mac Mini as my main machine until the "MacBook Ultra" comes out. Especially after using the Apple Studio Display XDR at night I don't think I can base Apple Studio Display as my main display and work really requires two displays to work flawlessly.
This has been incredibly frustrating. I have a 2024 M4 Pro MBP. I bought a new XDR. I had a 2022 Studio Display (OG). I couldn't daisy chain the two monitors together. I can only get it to work if I plug in the 2022 Studio Display directly into the MBP FIRST and then plug in the XDR directly to the MBP. Apple support told me I would have to have an XDR to daisychain.
I then got another XDR. I can't get both XDR displays to work at the same time. I tried daisy chaining, I tried plugging each directly into the MBP, but it won't work.
I checked that I had a Pro chip. Could it be that I have to have an M5 Pro or M5 Pro Max?
I then got another XDR. I can't get both XDR displays to work at the same time. I tried daisy chaining, I tried plugging each directly into the MBP, but it won't work.
I checked that I had a Pro chip. Could it be that I have to have an M5 Pro or M5 Pro Max?
Pretty sure it’s supposed to be supported but I’m hoping it’s a software bug. I have an m4 air with the same behavior with 2x XDR’s. Apple says it should support 2 6k displays at 60Hz, but no luck so far
Sorry to be dense - but the article above seems to indicate the M4Pro MBP should support two displays - albeit at 60hz per display. Is that right? I can’t even get both of my XDRs to come on at the same time - either when daisy chained or when each is plugged in directly to my MBP. Am I missing something? Thanks for your patience and help.It appears this article has the answer... For some reason the M4 Pro Mac mini is slightly more capable than the M4 Pro MacBook Pro. I did not realize this limitation otherwise I would have gone with the M4 Max!!
Mac mini M4 Pro
View attachment 2612577
How many displays can be connected to MacBook Pro - Apple Support
The number of external displays that you can use at the same time depends on your Mac model and the resolution and refresh rate of each display.
MacBook Pro M4 Pro
View attachment 2612576
Hoping this can be fixed with a software update but it sounds like there is definitely some hardware limitation.
tothemoonsands
macrumors 6502a
Good data point. Some mounting evidence that there’s some negotiation bugs that need to be worked out.
Not trying to be a d*ck here but some of you spent large amounts of money without doing your homework first. Take a deep breath. You're all well within your two week return windows; don't freak out.
Unfortunately the devil is in the details with what macs can do what with exactly which ports.
Italics below is copied and pasted from Apple's support page, detailing exactly what your m4 pro mbp can and can't do, and I will translate.
You can do up to two external displays in addition to the built in display.
If you run one display at 5K 120 Hz, that is the only external display you can run.
You absolutely can run two external 5K displays AT 60 HZ EACH.
Yes you can daisy chain from one XDR to another display, if you can handle your settings, thunderbolt cables, and thunderbolt ports correctly.
So. Fire up the mbp alone. Then connect the first studio xdr display with the included tb5 cable. Set it to 60 Hz. Then grab the other tb5 cable included with your second studio xdr, and plug in the second display into the first. (Or plug the og studio in with its included tb3 cable.)
Don't freak out. Call support if you need more help. Don't forget to restart the computer and run updates if needed.
Your nerd skills need to catch up with your financial skills, okay? Jeez.
Unfortunately the devil is in the details with what macs can do what with exactly which ports.
Italics below is copied and pasted from Apple's support page, detailing exactly what your m4 pro mbp can and can't do, and I will translate.
You can do up to two external displays in addition to the built in display.
If you run one display at 5K 120 Hz, that is the only external display you can run.
You absolutely can run two external 5K displays AT 60 HZ EACH.
Yes you can daisy chain from one XDR to another display, if you can handle your settings, thunderbolt cables, and thunderbolt ports correctly.
So. Fire up the mbp alone. Then connect the first studio xdr display with the included tb5 cable. Set it to 60 Hz. Then grab the other tb5 cable included with your second studio xdr, and plug in the second display into the first. (Or plug the og studio in with its included tb3 cable.)
Don't freak out. Call support if you need more help. Don't forget to restart the computer and run updates if needed.
Your nerd skills need to catch up with your financial skills, okay? Jeez.
MacBook Pro with M4 chip or M4 Pro chip
MacBook Pro models with the M4 chip or M4 Pro chip support up to two external displays simultaneously with the built-in display, based on the resolution and refresh rate of each external display. Closing the lid of your MacBook Pro with M4 chip or M4 Pro chip will not increase the number of external displays that can be supported.One external display
Supports one external display in the following configuration:- One display up to a native resolution of 8K (7680 x 4320) at 60Hz, 5K (5120 x 2880) at 120Hz, or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 240 Hz over Thunderbolt or HDMI
Two external displays
Supports two external displays in the following configuration:- Two displays up to a native resolution of 6K (6144 x 3456) at 60Hz or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 144Hz over Thunderbolt or HDMI
Appreciate the response. I had talked to Apple before buying the XDRs to confirm exactly what was supported with my M4 Pro MBP and the XDRs. They confirmed it should work as you described. I had followed the exact steps you described above (including restarting and making sure my MB is on 26.3.1). Unfortunately, it still doesn’t work. I have an appointment at an Apple Store tomorrow to bring in both displays and my MBP to troubleshoot further. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Best of luck!
I'm guessing there's something off with your macbook; hopefully you'll get someone super competent that can diagnose and fix this without much further trouble.
That's certainly a lot of trouble to go through, I'm sorry.
A couple points:
1) What myself and others have been arguing what Apple is saying about the two external displays (see below). DOES NOT WORK or works inconsistently at best. You have to plug the displays in the exact right order and it is not stable. If you plug in the display in the wrong order one monitor won't work. Sometimes when it wakes from sleep, one display does not turn on. This is certainly a bug that will get fixed in software. It's pretty crazy to me the number of people having issues with the MBP M4 Pro specifically. Surprising as Apple is usually more careful about quality and compatibility than this.
Two external displays
Supports two external displays in the following configuration:- Two displays up to a native resolution of 6K (6144 x 3456) at 60Hz or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 144Hz over Thunderbolt or HDMI
3) Daisy chaining doesn't work and based on my understanding it probably should on M4 Pro. I have tried every possible thing I can think of to make it work. I have no idea why this is the case. It would be helpful it Apple extremely clearly laid out on an information page about what is supported specifically on the Studio Display XDR and ensure to include what the expectations should be rewarding daisy chaining because like you said we're spending a lot of money here.
As for me, the base M4 Mac mini setup will tide me over until MacBook Ultra but I am annoyed with all the issues related to my M4 Pro.
People are missing an obvious difference between the m4 pro macbook pros and m4 pro mac minis: a built in screen, the turning off of which spares no resources for external video output.
I hope you guys get everything up and running and beautiful asap. I think you're right that some systems might be having more problems than others.
I'm pretty sure they can fix everything in firmware if needed, probaby in days not weeks.
I understand but to my original point they used to do this with M3 and stopped doing it. I am assuming this affects less than 1% of people but you know would be a nice touch. The point is the M4/M4 Pro are clearly capable of this but it's just something they decided not to do on the laptop version. E.g. below:
Two external displays
Supports two external displays in the following configuration with lid closed:- One display up to a native resolution of 6K (6144 x 3456) at 60Hz, and one display up to a native resolution of 5K (5120 x 2880) at 60Hz over Thunderbolt
- One display up to a native resolution of 6K (6144 x 3456) at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, and one display up to a native resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160) at 100Hz over HDMI
if the limitation is baked into the silicon, which I believe it is, there won't be a fix.
xraydoc
Contributor
I suspect it's something with the way it's "wired" internally. I wouldn't get your hopes up for a fix.
You're probably right. I'll be happy if they literally just meet the requirements of the support page. Everything else will just be a bonus.
Can anybody confirm whether a TB4 cable will work with daisy chaining an original 2022 Stduio Display off a Studio Display XDR? So the original Studio Display being at the end of the chain or does it have to be a TB5 cable?
I know the cable going from the XDR to the Mac has to be TB5 however going from the XDR to the original 5K 60Hz Studio Display at the end of the chain, which I believe is TB3. Will this be fine with a TB4 cable?
Thanks
I know the cable going from the XDR to the Mac has to be TB5 however going from the XDR to the original 5K 60Hz Studio Display at the end of the chain, which I believe is TB3. Will this be fine with a TB4 cable?
Thanks