Apple’s upcoming entry-level M4 14-inch MacBook Pro may be capable of supporting up to two external displays with the lid open, an increase from the one display supported in the current M3 model, based on recent leaks.
Apple’s existing M3 14-inch MacBook Pro features two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, as opposed to the three Thunderbolt 4 ports available in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.
Due to fewer USB-C ports and the lack of Thunderbolt 4 support on the current entry-level MacBook Pro, it supports only one display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz or one display with up to 4K resolution at 120Hz over HDMI when the lid is open. Currently, the only way to connect two external displays simultaneously is with the lid closed, based on the resolution and refresh rate of each external display.
If the recent leaks about Apple’s anticipated M4 14-inch MacBook Pro are accurate, this new model is expected to feature three Thunderbolt 4 ports. This capability could enable it to support two external displays with the lid open, a significant improvement over the previous model.
While the upgrade from two Thunderbolt 3 ports to three Thunderbolt 4 ports is yet to be confirmed, such a change would enhance the entry-level machine’s capabilities, aligning it more closely with Apple’s higher-end MacBook Pro models.
As it stands, the M3 Pro can support up to two external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, and it also allows for one external display with 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI.
Meanwhile, the M3 Max model is designed to support up to four external displays, including three external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI.
Additionally, M3 Pro and M3 Max models support native DisplayPort over USB-C, enabling high-resolution displays such as one 8K display at 60Hz or one 4K display at 240Hz over HDMI.
The specifications for the entry-level M4 14-inch MacBook Pro are expected to be revealed soon. Apple is likely to announce new iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro models equipped with M4 chips by the end of October, with some releases rumored for November 1.