Compatible monitors for Macbook air

Does anyone know if there are monitors that are compatible with macbook air where you can extend the screen without having to close the laptop? If there are, can you please comment the brand and model type?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 25, 2025 11:45 AM

Reply
2 replies

Feb 25, 2025 12:00 PM in response to sigal97

If your MacBook Air is running macOS 15.3 (Sequoia), as shown in your tag line, I believe that it would have to be one of these models:

  • An Intel-based MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) that can drive up to two external displays.
  • A M1 or M2 MacBook Air that can only drive one external display.
  • A M3 MacBook Air that can only drive one external display with the lid open, two with the lid closed.


Mac Manuals and Downloads - Apple Support

Feb 25, 2025 11:52 AM in response to sigal97

That capability will depend on exactly which model MacBook Air you have - more specifically which Apple Silicon M chip it has.


The M2 cannot do a second monitor. It can't do the internal monitor and another external monitor. The lid must be closed to use an external monitor.

The M3 can do the built in monitor + one other, or two external with the lid closed.


MacBook Air 13- and 15-inch with M3 or M2 - Tech Specs - Apple


❝Display Support

M2

  • Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors and:
  • One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz

M3

  • Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors and:
  • One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz
  • Close the MacBook Air lid to use a second external display with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz ❞

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Compatible monitors for Macbook air

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.