Ever since the comer of the M1 MacBook it has been necessary to use a workaround to run more than one supernumerary exhibit from the standard M1 or M2 scrap ( M2 Pro / Max and M3 Pro / Max have n’t been limited in this way ) . We have an article that explainsHow to connect two or more outside displays to an M1 , M2 , or M3 MacBook .

However , with the release of the M3 MacBook Air , Apple introduced a new feature for M3 laptop . These MacBooks can now run two external displays , but the laptop must be close . It ’s a ready to hand feature for production environment or introduction . This feature is also useable on the M3 MacBook Pro after installing themacOS Sonoma 14.6 update .

The two external video display must support a picture connection over USB - C or Thunderbolt 3 . Also , the two displays can each be 5 super acid at 60Hz , for example , twoApple Studio Displays .

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Here ’s how to use dual outside displays on M3 MacBooks . This presentation involves a 15 - inch M3 MacBook Air , an Apple Studio Display , and theDough Spectrum One , which is a 4 yard display with a varying refresh pace .

Get your Bluetooth input devices ready

Foundry

A unopen laptop mean you ca n’t apply the MacBook ’s keyboard and trackpad . You must utilise an outside keyboard , mouse , and/or trackpad . Set this up first .

Connect the displays to the MacBook

The displays you are using should be capable to do video over Thunderbolt or USB - C. Plug the cable from the exhibit into the twoMacBook Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports .

Since the M3 MacBooks have only two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports , all of the ports on the laptop will be occupied . The Studio Display has three USB - C port , so if you need to link up USB - C devices , you require to plug them into the Studio Display . If you are using non - Apple display , they may have hub supporting built in .

Close the MacBook

The M3 MacBooks can head for the hills only two display at a clock time – that admit the laptop computer display . When the laptop is open , only one extraneous exhibit will work .

To turn on the second display , simply conclude the laptop computer . After about five seconds , the 2nd showing will kvetch in .

What happens when the laptop is opened?

If you spread out the laptop , an external showing goes dark , and the laptop display turns on . This happens almost in a flash .

How to disconnect/reconnect

If you need to go somewhere with your MacBook , you’re able to simply disconnect the cables from the laptop computer . When you come back to your desk , just plug the cables back in .

Learn more about the MacBook Air in our superguide .

Orange Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard

MacBook Air display connectors

m3 macbook external displays laptop closed

MacBook Air open displays

MacBook Air disconnect displays