Users of Apple’s recent M4 Mac devices are reporting compatibility issues when using 5K2K monitors. The M4-supported Macs appear to lack support for ultrawide monitors, making users scratch their heads in frustration.
Since the November 8th launch of the M4 Macs, users have begun to dig deep into the new devices, taking advantage of the improved hardware milestones. However, many users have taken to Apple Community forums and Reddit (as reported by 9to5Mac), claiming that M4 Macs aren’t supporting monitors with 5K2K (5120 x 2160) resolution.
According to the claims, M4 Macs lack any option to display proper resolution options for ultrawide monitors. Instead, the options available make the interface and text appear blurry. Users claim that the same monitors will work perfectly well when connected to older Mac devices, regardless if they run Intel’s processors or Apple’s previous M-series chips. Unfortunately, when connected to an M4 Mac, these monitors no longer work in HiDPI mode.
“It’s clearly not an actual HDMI bandwidth problem since it allows ABOVE 60Hz and it’ll even let me run it in 3840×2160 resolution at 60Hz,” a Reddit user states. “It just doesn’t want to let me do 3440×1440 @ 60Hz for some bizarre reason.”
As of now, some users have found success in using third-party tools such as BetterDisplay to mitigate the issue. These tools can enable HiDPI mode. Unforunately, it appears as though it does cause the refresh rate to drop from 75Hz to 60Hz.
As of the time of writing, Apple has yet to comment on the matter. Until there is a verifiable solution, users may want to err on the side of caution if purchasing an M4 Mac with the goal of using a 5K2K monitor with it.
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“users may want to air on the side of caution”
I think you meant to say “err”