Macbook Pro M5Pro missing resolutions and refresh rate on external monitor

I recently bought a M5 Pro 14" MBP, when connected to my external display (LG 5k2k ultrawide, TB5 cable), this new Macbook is missing resolutions (and refresh rate) that I never had any issue using with other Macbooks.

I currently have 3 Macbooks here with me, right now:

M1Pro Macbook Pro: 3840x1620@100Hz, expected on M1P
M3Pro Macbook Pro: 3840x1620@165Hz, HDR available
M5Pro Macbook Pro: no option available for that resolution, no option for 165Hz (on any resolution), HDR available only on certain ones

I'll attach screenshots below. What is happening with this generation chip? I'm not the only one as I've read the same thing twice already on reddit.

M1 Pro:

M3Pro:

M5Pro:

[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Mar 19, 2026 9:54 AM

Top-ranking reply

andreeinprogress Author

Level 1

77 points

Posted on Mar 20, 2026 2:20 AM

Attaching some diagnostics differences between the M3 output and the M5 output (I will also open a radar).

From diagnostics on both Macs via `ioreg`:

Same monitor EDID is detected (`LG ULTRAGEAR+`, same serial/product identity).
Same link negotiation is achieved:

- DisplayPort over USB-C

- `LinkRateDescription = "8.1 Gbps (HBR3)"`

- `LaneCount = 4`

The high-refresh timing exists in the mode table on both Macs:

- `5120x2160 id=156 ... approx_max_hz=165.058`

However, on M5 Pro, system limits lower-refresh timing:

- `DPTimingModeId = 157` (`~100Hz` path)

While on M3 Pro, system reaches the 165Hz working state:

- `system_profiler` reports:

- `UI Looks like: 3840 x 1620 @ 165.00Hz`

- `Resolution: 7680 x 3240`

Looks in fact like a regression on M5 usb displayport bus, I don't think it has something do with Tahoe as the data on M1 (Tahoe) is pretty much the same as my M3 (Sequoia)

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80 replies

May 24, 2026 11:38 AM in response to CleanCodeDeveloper

I updated to 26.5 yesterday, still no HDR for my preferred resolution (3840x1620 on a 5K2K display). It's available for every other resolution listed, all the way up to the native resolution, but just this one is missing. It was available on my M3 Macbook Pro. ☹️ I'm connected through an Anker TB5 hub via Thunderbolt/USB-C, and I've got 165Hz refresh. HDR is the only thing missing!

Jun 6, 2026 3:23 AM in response to andreeinprogress

Just tried with 26.5.1 and it still isn't fixed. My issue is it seems to display in 6bit colour (lots of banding) if you enable HDR at 50hz or higher. The banding is gone if you display at 30hz or lower. Worked fine on my previous 2019 MacBook pro. Like many here, I have tried a number of different HDMI cables (including 2x 8K ones).

At the moment I am leaving HDR off and just enabling when watching films (where I can set to 30 or 24hz).

h0tbird

Level 1

14 points

Jun 8, 2026 1:57 AM in response to andreeinprogress

Hi, I'm another user affected by this issue after upgrading from an M1 to an M5. I was disappointed to discover that my M5 can no longer drive my LG 40WP95CP-W at 3840×1620 @ 72 Hz. Disappointing, to say the least.

For reference, I'm currently running macOS Tahoe 26.5.1.

I've already submitted product feedback in the hope that enough reports will help bring attention to the issue.

rbc-mac

Level 1

8 points

Jun 10, 2026 2:00 PM in response to h0tbird

I bought a new MacBook Pro M5 Pro last week, but returned it because of the same issue I’m experiencing with my LG 40WP95CP-W. The new macOS 27 Golden Gate hopefully fixes this issue. https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/09/macos-27-golden-gate-gains-ultrawide-support/

Mar 19, 2026 11:06 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

This one

https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-45gx950a-b-gaming-monitor

Mar 26, 2026 8:24 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Supplied by LG, the same cable that works perfectly fine with my M4 Max MacBook Pro does not work with my M5 Max MacBook Pro to display at 165Hz.

Mar 26, 2026 8:37 AM in response to andreeinprogress

Apple released a software update to Tahoe 26.4 within the last few days. Be sure you are up-to-date for best results.

Apr 19, 2026 11:55 PM in response to andreeinprogress

Same problem on my M5 Pro with a Philips PHL 40B1U6903. Maximum resolution I can select (other than native 5120 x 2160) is 3360 x 1418.

On my older M2 Pro I can select up to 3840 x 1620...

Mar 19, 2026 4:33 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for your reply!

I have tried with: a TB5 cable (which is compatible), a USB4 cable (which is compatible), a USB3.1 cable. All the same.

Again, please, note that as stated in the original post the other Macbooks have no issue displaying at that resolution in HiDPI, with all the cables above (the M3, two generations behind this one, even displays at 165Hz in HDR). There is obviously something different happening with this particular chip. You can even see from the screenshots that the M1Pro and the M3Pro have 5 resolutions available, while the M5Pro does not.

Mar 21, 2026 3:22 PM in response to always_down

M5 Pro via CableMatters 2.1: when set above 60hz, 3008 x 1692 and 3360 x 1890 still lose the HDR toggle.

Same issues when connected through HDMI 2.1.

edit:

2560 x 1440 also loses HDR above 60hz. This can't be right.

Mar 22, 2026 12:43 PM in response to andreeinprogress

One additional aspect that tells me something is definitely off:

I use my M2 Pro as my main source in my music audio chain. M2 Pro > Schiit Gungnir 2 DAC > Schiit Mjolnir 3 Headphone Amp.

When substituting the M5 Pro for the M2 Pro, I'm getting ~70% of the audio volume, leading me to believe the usb ports on the M5 Pro have inferior performance (voltage?) wether it be physical difference, chip performance, or software issues.

Mar 26, 2026 7:33 AM in response to andreeinprogress

I upgraded from and passed down my M4 Max MacBook Pro that could drive this monitor at 165Hz no problem. My brand new M5 Max is stuck at 100Hz. My $6k laptop can't go past 100Hz on this monitor? Gee thanks. I'm using the supplied USB-C able and even tried a TB5 cable with no fix.

[Edited by Moderator]

Mar 26, 2026 8:37 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I think focusing on cables here will not lead anywhere. The issue is that older, less powerful M chips objectively support resolutions and refresh rates that those new chips (apparently, be it hardware or software) can not. If cables were the issue we'd have erratic behaviour also on those older chips.

It is a matter of fact that what works on the old computer does not work on the new one. Same cable, same OS version, same port, same monitor. I'm not expecting a MacBook Neo to drive 5K@165Hz, but I'd like my (very expensive) professional machine to do so, given that my previous machines from the same line can do it without batting an eye.

Also yes, I am already in contact with Apple support.

Mar 26, 2026 9:00 AM in response to andreeinprogress

I updated to 26.4 and am having the same problems as well.

***On a positive note, Apple Support did reach out to me to collect some data and information so they are definitely looking into this problem.

Mar 26, 2026 9:42 AM in response to always_down

The reason is ask, is that readers ask, all the time:

¿If I post here, and nothing more, is anyone who works for Apple likely to contact me directly?

Conventional Wisdom is that unless you previously contacted Apple support, they will NOT spontaneously contact you. (It might violate your privacy.)

PLEASE do tell:

¿Were you spontaneously contacted by Apple Support, or is this a follow-on to a previous call to Apple Support?

Macbook Pro M5Pro missing resolutions and refresh rate on external monitor