Macworld has reported that Apple’s new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook chips can support up to three and four external displays, respectively, through a single Thunderbolt 5 connection. This breakthrough overcomes previous limitations where earlier chips only supported two external displays.
Developers and creatives will benefit from the enhanced multi-display support, which reduces cable clutter and allows for expanded workspace configurations. The new display capabilities work with certified Thunderbolt 5 docks, making it easier to set up a multi-screen setup.
According to CalDigit, its popular TS5 and TS5 Plus docks now support up to three displays on M5 Pro MacBooks, while the Element 5 Hub supports up to four displays on M5 Max. Satechi’s FusionDock Ultra features a double Thunderbolt 5 chip architecture, allowing it to connect all four displays without daisy-chaining.
The new display capabilities are made possible by Thunderbolt 5’s daisy-chaining prowess and its ability to transport native DisplayPort video and audio signals over USB4 packets. This allows for efficient, high-bandwidth transmission of video alongside data and power.
With the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, Mac users can finally enjoy multiple displays over one cable, bringing them closer to the multi-monitor setups associated with Windows machines.
Source: https://www.macworld.com/article/3088215/m5-pro-max-macbooks-finally-break-apples-multi-monitor-shackles.html