With the launch of the new 2023 Mac mini and MacBook Pro, Mac began to drive 8K displays smoothly, and Apple released a guide on how to use these high-resolution displays on the Mac. Additionally, the new 2023 Macs support higher 4K refresh rates up to 240Hz and expanded support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
Support for higher resolution displays comes from Apple’s new M2 Pro chip, a faster, more powerful version of the M2 chip that came in last year’s MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro devices. The M2 Pro / Max chip is available in all 2023 MacBook Pro configurations and some high-end Mac mini configurations. For Mac mini users looking to connect to an 8K display, you’ll want to make sure you buy the M2 Pro chip version, as the entry-level configuration comes with the more affordable standard M2 chip.
In addition to new Mac hardware, users will also need an external display with 8K or 4K / 240Hz capability. As of now, there are not many 8K desktop display options available, at least not with the required HDMI connectivity, although there are already a significant number of 8K TVs available.
Apple also says that users must use a SuperSpeed 48Gbps HDMI cable to take advantage of 8K or 4K / 240Hz output. Apple recommends bypassing the adapter and connecting the HDMI cable directly to the HDMI port on the display or TV. Although Apple does not specify in its support documentation, the HDMI port on the display side needs to support HDMI 2.1, as older versions of HDMI lack the required bandwidth.
