William Gallagher
The new M4 MacBook Air fixes what's been a key problem with the line, and now supports up to two external monitors — and does so without the limitations of the previous M3 edition.
The newly launched MacBook Air brings with it a significant improvement for users of multiple monitors. While the previous M3 model featured support for two monitors, it was only possible to use both when the MacBook Air's lid was closed.
So while users gained the wider screen real estate of two external monitors, they lost the use of their MacBook Air internal display. Now the M4 MacBook Air supports two monitors of up to 6K resolution each, plus the built in 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch screen.
That 6K resolution is also an improvement. The previous model did support two external monitors, but only one could be 6K.
The other could be driven at up to 5K resolution at 60Hz. Either screen could be run at 4K resolution at 144Hz.
For comparison, the current M4 MacBook Pro introduced in October 2024, has the same 6K two-monitor option as the MacBook Air, without the lid shut. But the MacBook Pro with M4 Max processor can drive up to three 6K monitors at 60Hz, and a fourth at 4K up to 144Hz.
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6 Comments
I feel bad for that dude in the picture. His only input device is the trackpad on the MacBook off to the side. Someone get him a mouse or Magic Trackpad.
My 2017 15” Intel MacBook Pro could do 2 5k, or 4 external 4K monitors, and the newer models (2019 I think) could do 2 6k or 4 4K monitors. Why are the Apple Silicon models a downgrade in that department?