Apple Thunderbolt display, white flickering pixels when connected to MacBook Pro M1 or Mac Mini M1

Yes. I have this same problem with my two Apple 27 Thunderbolt monitors, on my M1 Pro Max 16. They worked well with my 2018 Mac mini and 2012 non-Retina MBP 13. The problem is very apparent if I use a high-contrast wallpaper, including those from Apple's desktop pictures. If it's more monochrome, i.e., one of the "colors" wallpapers, it's not that apparent.

I booked a Genius Bar appointment before I stumbled upon this thread, thinking my new Mac is kaput.

The local Genius Bar didn't have the LG or XDR displays to test, but they were able to fish a 27 TB monitor from their store room. The problem was replicated on that monitor as well (so my monitors aren't faulty suddenly).

Also, for fun, the tech rep carried the monitor to the front of the store, to test one of their on display MBP M1 16s. The exact same problem, at the exact same spot. So it's an Apple-wide issue.

This issue doesn't occur if I use an HDMI connector / HDMI-only monitor, including the LG TV that was plugged to the Apple TV on display at the store. It's a problem specific to M1 Macs, when connected to Apple's own Thunderbolt Displays.

According to the tech rep, Apple won't likely do anything because they don't support the TB 27s anymore. We should still report the problem, but unless it's impacting TB-3 or TB-4 displays (or the XDR), I am not entirely sure the needle will move.

Upgrading to 12.3 solved the Thunderbolt Display flickering issue for me! I also just bought a Studio Display today to replace it so the timing is amusing but I'm very glad they seem to have addressed the issue. Unfortunately, now I'm having major issues with Studio Display on my Catalina Macbook Pro.

I have also had this issue on both my M1 Air and M1 Pro Pro. No such issues on my 2019 15" Pro or 2015 15" Pro. Also tried multiple TB2 to TB3 adapters, multiple Thunderbolt Displays, and multiple Thunderbolt 2 cables plugged directly into the back of the monitors. Only the Apple Silicon Macs have this issue.

I can confirm that there's no more flickering.

I am using a MacBook Pro 2021 M1 Pro Max 16, connected to the TB display through Apple TB 3-to-2 adapter. I'm running 12.4. No more issue of flickering on that top menu bar. Good job, Apple!

magicman1956, the A1407 is a really good display. I have two of them right now - one in my office (which generally runs a 2018 Mini) and the other at home (running the MBP M1 Pro Max 16). Love them and intend to use them until they give up.

I messed around and changed my wall paper to one of the darker Apple wallpapers and it hides the pixel for the most part, but hopefully Apple addresses this bug in a future update

Same issue here, M1 MBA on Monterey 12.1 using Thunderbolt Display. Connected via the Apple TB2 to TB3 adapter.

I've seen several threads and comment sections now with countless people reporting this same problem, and no solutions. Really frustrating.

I have a Mac Mini M1 connected to my TB display and no issue. I'm using 12.3.1.

So I have been gifted a really good condition Apple Thunderbolt Display A1407 with no issues and working fine with a MacBook Pro from 2018, I’m now going to sell my older iMac desktop from 2016 and purchase the Mac mini M1 computer.

Can anyone confirm if this set up will work with the Apple connector which I have already, I have seen the replies about pixels etc.

Have they been all fixed with all the new software updates released.

many thanks.

Yes me also, I hate throwing away items in good condition just because newer items run faster, but this is great news knowing the M1 can work with this Thunderbolt Display.

many thanks for your reply.

same here! Its in the same spot also so I'm assuming its a software issue and not a hardware issue. i am also using an m1 mac mini

I have this problem too. M1 Max with Thunderbolt Display.

Studio display requires Monterey 12.3 or higher ti work properly