After much anticipation, the M4 Apple Silicon family has made its way into the new MacBook Pro lineup. We’ve been testing our new MacBook since release day and are happy to report compatibility is great across our product line. Our product-by-product test results and links can be viewed below. Below we’ll explore new M4 features, and highlight solutions that maximize the new M4 capabilities using a wide range of Plugable devices.

One of the most exciting changes is that for the first time since Apple Silicon chips debuted, the base model CPU now supports two extended displays over Thunderbolt.  The result is that users of Apple's new base-model M4 MacBook Pro (M4 MBP) gain not only the cutting-edge power of Apple Silicon but also upgraded display capabilities that, when combined with Plugable products, make it easier than ever to create your perfect multi-monitor workspace. For users who depend on high-performance tech and seamless connectivity, this device paired with Plugable’s Thunderbolt products can be a productivity game-changer. 

The M4 MBP ups the ante on external display connectivity. Now even the base M4 model includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and users can connect up to two 6K monitors at 60Hz, or one 8K monitor at 60Hz even with the laptop screen open (for the first time on base Apple silicon)! Meanwhile the M4 Pro and Max chips now offer Thunderbolt 5 support, ensuring future-proofing while also remaining backward compatible with our Thunderbolt and USB-C products. For users looking to add even more displays, DisplayLink remains a great choice for adding more than 2 monitors over Thunderbolt or USB-C, or for multi-host environments where compatibility is critical. Note that macOS still does not support multiple extended displays through the use of MST technology in some docks and adapters.

This robust multi-monitor support enables creative professionals, developers, and multitaskers to extend their workspace, handle intense workflows, and gain optimal screen real estate for a range of applications.

Apple M4 MacBook Pro External Display Compatibility Guide

Here's a table comparing the external display support capabilities of Apple's MacBook base M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips:

MacBook Model External Display Support
MacBook Pro M4 / M4 Pro Up to two external displays at 6K 60Hz each, or one external display at 8K 60Hz
MacBook Pro M4 Max Up to four external displays at 6K 60Hz each, or up to two external 6K 60Hz displays and one 8K 60Hz display

Why Plugable?

As a leader in docking stations and with a focus on broad compatibility, Plugable is dedicated to ensuring a seamless experience across devices. Our Compatibility Guarantee covers Plugable products with the M4 MacBooks and we offer lifetime support from our team of experts in the US and Canada. If a Plugable product doesn’t perform as expected with your M4 Mac, we’re here to help. Our technical support team can guide you in finding the best solution for your setup and troubleshoot any connectivity issues.

Ready to unlock the M4 MacBook Pro’s full potential? Discover Plugable’s docking solutions to power up your productivity and transform your tech experience. Whether you are using an Apple M4 or another system, our Dock Finder is a great tool for selecting the dock that’s right for you or your organization.

Below, you can find a list of some of our most popular products and information regarding whether the device was tested compatible or if issues were found. Plugable’s testing was performed on the M4 Pro CPU, and based on our extensive experience testing previous generations of Apple Silicon, we expect these same compatibility results to apply to the base M4 and Max models as well. 

This is not a comprehensive list, and we will continue to update it as we test more of our products, so be sure to check back here. You can also reach out to our expert North American support team for additional assistance in selecting the right product for you! Visit Plugable.com/Support or email support@plugable.com

Thunderbolt Docking Stations and Hubs:

TBT4-UDX1 - Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station with 96W Charging - Compatible

TBT4-UD5 - Thunderbolt 4 Dock For 4k Dual Monitors or Single 8k, 100w Charging - Compatible

TBT4-UDZ - Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Docking Station with 96w Charging - Compatible

TBT3-UDZ - Thunderbolt and USB-C Dual Display Dock with 96w Host Charging - Compatible

TBT3-UDC3 - Thunderbolt Docking Station, Dual HDMI with DisplayPort, 96W Charging - Compatible

TBT-6950PD - Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station for 4K Quad Monitors, 100W Laptop Charging - Compatible

TBT4-HUB3C - Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub - Compatible

USB-C Driver-based Docking Stations and Graphics Adapters:

UD-ULTC4K - Triple Display Dock with 3x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort, and 100w Charging - Compatible

USBC-6950M - Plugable Dual Monitor USB-C To HDMI Adapter - Compatible

UD-6950PDH - Plugable USB-C Docking Station, Dual 4K Monitors, 100W Laptop Charging - Compatible

UD-4VPD - Plugable USB4 Dual Monitor Docking Station with 4K 120Hz HDMI, 100W Charging - Partially Compatible

  • macOS does not support MST, so as with other Macs, supports up to single 4K 60Hz.

USB-C Adapters and Hubs:

USBC-768H4 - USB-C or USB 3.0 Quad HDMI Adapter - Compatible

AMS-5IN1E - USB-C 5-in-1 Hub Designed for Apple MagSafe - Compatible

USBC-9IN1E - 9-in-1 USB-C Hub with 4K HDMI, 140W Pass-Through Charging - Compatible

USBC-7IN1 - USB-C 7-in-1 Hub - Compatible

USBC-4IN1 - 4-IN-1 USB-C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Charging - Compatible

USBC-E2500PD - USB-C to 2.5 Gbps Ethernet Adapter with 100W USB-C Charging - Compatible

USBC-HDMI - USB-C to HDMI Adapter - Compatible

Chargers:

PS-EPR-140C1 - Plugable 140W USB-C GaN Power Adapter - Compatible


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