I am thinking about getting a new M1 Mac Mini to replace an older 2013 iMac. I also have a 2 27 inch Thunderbolt display. My question is can I use both the Thunderbolt displays with the following setup:
Mac Mini -> Apple Thunderbolt 3 to 2 Adapter -> Thunderbolt Display 1 -> Thunderbolt Display 2
So basically daisy chain the Thunderbolt displays by plugging 1 into the other. Nothing I read says I cannot do this but want to double check.
Just keep in mind that you want to use old tech with first generation new tech. I doubt thunderbolt displays are the only monitors out there for you and the problem is the thunderbolt tech to begin with. Since you said you might bail apple you can ditch the TB displays and buy better alternatives that you can use with anything and not be restricted by a technology that is very specific.
Planned obsolescence, tech waste, deliberate dysfunction of a product that still works as intended creates not only excess volume for the landfill, it creates dissatisfied customers who rightfully expect better. Forcing users of existing Apple technology to upgrade unnecessarily (and at no small expense) may have the opposite of the intended effect: consumers who seek alternatives to the imperious and capricious whims of the Apple product developers.
I am updating my 2011 iMac to mac mini m1. My Thunderbolt display has been working as a second display and in a very good performance. I have read about not been able to use 2 thunderbolts, but I found video some using 2x apple displays with a mini, just because of Big Sur.
I have the opportunity to buy a second-hand apple display. Would anybody know it will work as a second display with the mini m1?
TIA
To run two displays with a M1 Mac mini, one must be connected to the computer's HDMI port. There is no way to connect a Thunderbolt display to HDMI, so it must connect to one of the Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports with a Thunderbolt 3 adapter (not a Mini DisplayPort adapter, even though the plugs fit.
The LG UltraFine 4K can connect to the HDMI port with a HDMI to USB-C converter:
This is not compatible with the LG 27" Ultra Fine monitor which is Thunderbolt only, but should work with your 4K 24" which runs via USB-C with or without Thunderbolt.
There are lots of adapters for connecting HDMI displays to computer USB-C ports, but they will not work in the other direction.
It seems there's a solution for LG Ultrafine 4k via hdmi as Maclom J. Rayfield suggested.
Check out this video with 2 LG Ultrafine 4k, one over TB3 and the other via HDMI with some cable adapters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPBWIZP1NQ8
Problem is their resolution is not native, so don't know..
No possible, unfortunately.
Can you explain why? What if I had 2 T3 to T2 adapters vs daisy chain? Current 2017 macbook pro with T3 is able to work with a Thunderbolt display, is there some reason M1 Macs wont do the same?
You can try it...although there’s nothing in the Apple spec that says you can do this.
I see what you mean and obviously a bit of a risk, I did stumble upon a Youtube vid of 6 screens on an M1 Mac Mini but would seem odd if they limited it this way but will research a bit more.
Ok. Remember, “I saw it on the internet” won’t work with Apple Support 😉
As mentioned, I am thinking of buying it, not seeking support for something I have that does not work. It would be pretty nuts if Apple didn't support multiple displays on the new mac mini.
They’ll support but support doesn’t mean fix. A sympathetic ear, collection of logs, even a call from an “engineer”, that’s a given. Be happy.
Thanks, that helps. Very pleased with the Mini but what a shame I can’t use the iMac with it.
Its so sad right! Im having the same problem!
Can you confirm that 1 display did in fact work? I just have 1 27" thunderbolt display, but because it's so old, I want to make sure it will still work with the new M1 mac mini. Thank you!
M1 Mac Mini and Thunderbolt Display
