After finishing Apple’s “Unleashed” keynote, which was highlighted mainly by the announcement of the new MacBook Pro, we are learning more interesting details of the renewed computer. Although its features look too promising on paper, there is one data in particular that will disappoint more than one person, and it has to do with the HDMI port.
Currently, the HDMI 2.1 standard, which offers support for 4K resolution with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, is starting to become a common bet among computer and television manufacturers. However, Apple, with the new MacBook Pro, decided stay on HDMI 2.0, as collected MacRumors. The above means that, if we connect a monitor or TV, we will be limited to 4K resolution and a maximum of 60 Hz. Disappointing? You are right.
While it is true that monitors and displays with 4K and 120 Hz resolution are not yet within the reach of all pockets, and that these specifications for now only interest the most “enthusiasts”, one would expect Apple to offer HDMI 2.1 in a computer that exceeds 2,000 euros. On the other hand, it is surprising because Apple has already opted for HDMI 2.1 in the latest model of the Apple TV 4K.
In fact, the new MacBook Pro integrates a screen 120 Hz ProMotion; it is one of its most important characteristics. It will be interesting, then, to know what were the reasons why Apple remained in a standard of the past.
The other connections don’t stay in the past
Fortunately, this decision is not replicated on the other connections. All three USB-C ports are compliant with the standard Thunderbolt 4 —The latest— and the new MagSafe has support for fast charging of up to 140W on the 16-inch MacBook Pro —67W on the 14 “MacBook Pro.
Regarding the support for external monitors, MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip can be connected to two with a maximum resolution of 6K and 60 Hz. For its part, models with M1 Max processor support up to 3 6K / 60 Hz monitors and one 4K / 60 Hz