The LG UltraFine 5K Display Compatibility with 2021 MacBook Pro 14"

I haven't done much testing on the USB3 hubs, but one monitor has both a ethernet adapter connected to it via a USB3 dongle, as well as an SSD drive running Time Machine backups, and everything seems to be working OK.

As of October 26, 2021, I'm afraid this article isn't updated with information on the 2021 MacBook Pro models with M1 Pro and M1 Max SoCs. I'm curious to know if it's possible to connect dual (or even triple) 5K displays to these machines.

This is not a given for any 2021 MacBook Pro because the LG UltraFine 5K display requires two DisplayPort channels over a single Thunderbolt port. This complicates what is able to connect to these and how many displays can be connected. Typically a machine with four Thunderbolt 3 ports is required, and the monitors can't be connected to adjacent ports because each monitor requires the DisplayPort channels from two Thunderbolt ports.

For instance, even the latest 2020 27" iMac (non pro) can only connect to one of these because it only has two Thunderbolt 3 ports and thus only has enough channels for one monitor. I fear that because of the way the UltraFine 5K works, since the new MacBook Pros only have three ports, only one can be connected (possibly also alongside a single 6K or 4K-or-less display).

Hopefully someone can test this scenario and report back the results!

I spoke with LG support, and they suggested it might be an issue with the wake signal not being sent from the Mac when plugging it in, hence the need to restart which works 100% of the time when connected directly (not via a dock).

Once I'm connected I have no issues with the monitor. It has never flickered or given any indication of a loose connection. I have read in several places that the Thunderbolt ports are known to loosen over time. Mine certainly does not feel as sturdy and snug as an Apple-built port, but it also doesn't feel unusually loose.

I expect the iMac Pro to work without problem. It was released shortly before the 5K UltraFines came to market.

But the new MacBook Pros are another story: new silicon, new architecture, new graphics — I would not expect out-of-the-box compatibility. So it may not be a problem with Monterey itself, but more likely a hardware communication issue that can be resolved with a software update.

LG updated their Screen Manager app for M1 early this year, so apparently things should be working for Big Sur on M1 devices. It would be great if someone who has one of the first M1 MacBooks can chime in here.

Thank your for the info. Please keep us updated! Just bought an ultrafine 5k, and new macbook pro coming on Feb. Hopefully the firmware update comes out by then and resolves this issue