Apple is taking its technology to new heights with the latest M4 iMac, which has accomplished something no Mac before it has done: support for an 8K 120Hz external monitor. While Apple hasn’t released a standalone 8K monitor yet—its highest resolution offering being the 6K Pro Display XDR at 60Hz—the new iMac is breaking boundaries and surprising tech enthusiasts.
This groundbreaking capability is likely achieved through enhanced Thunderbolt controllers in the M4 chipset. In the Tech Specs for the M4 iMac, the base model, equipped with an 8-core CPU and GPU, supports only one external 6K monitor at 60Hz. However, the upscale version with a 10-core setup not only supports two external 6K monitors at 60Hz but also a single 8K display at a stunning 120Hz refresh rate. This marks a historic advancement for Mac computers.
Reflecting on the past, the M3 MacBook range managed two external monitors but required a closed lid for operation, presenting a limitation. Meanwhile, the M4 iMac with its doubled Thunderbolt controllers offers significant bandwidth improvements to handle the immense pixel count of 8K displays with ease.
As we anticipate Apple’s next announcements, it’s worth wondering if the M4 MacBook Pro will also embrace this 8K technology. Such advancements lead to speculation about whether Apple is preparing its own 8K display successor to the Pro Display XDR. Only time will tell what further innovations Apple has in store, but the future certainly looks exciting for Apple fans and tech lovers alike.
