Two MacBook Air computer systems
The brand new MacBook Air with M3 processor helps two exterior displays — when the lid is closed. Here is what to anticipate when utilizing Clamshell mode.
Apple’s Clamshell mode has existed for a really very long time. In brief, Clamshell Mode permits the consumer to attach an exterior show, and shut the lid. Relying on consumer decisions, the principle show will then typically be displayed on the exterior monitor.
On the M1 and M2 MacBook Air, you may solely have one exterior show, whatever the lid place. So, if you’d shut the lid, you’d get that inner show, mirrored, to the exterior with no possibility in any respect for a second exterior show.
Within the new MacBook Air with M3 processor, it is a little totally different. As a substitute of being restricted to 1 exterior show and that mirroring of the principle show, you’ll be able to have two exterior work surfaces with the lid shut.
Because it has been with computer systems that help a number of shows, you may nonetheless have to pick one show as main within the Shows management panel. This show will nonetheless mirror your principal show and desktop.
Notably, that is solely on the M3 MacBook Air. The core M3 14-inch MacBook Professional does not have the identical characteristic — but. Apple has instructed us and different publications that it’ll are available in a future software program patch.
Monitor decision help on MacBook Air with M3
Because it stands, the MacBook Air with M3 processor can help full native decision on the built-in show which is 2560 by 1664 together with a 6K exterior show refreshing at 60Hz. When in Clamshell mode, the interior show is deactivated, and as a substitute can go a 5K show refreshing at as much as 60Hz.
So, the MacBook Air with M3 processor will not help twin Professional Show XDR models, however it is going to help one. We do not suppose that twin 6K shows is a typical need for MacBook Air homeowners given the associated fee disparity between the 2 shows versus one MacBook Air — however you by no means know.
And, in fact, all of the exterior displays will have to be plugged in with Thunderbolt. We might recommend a Thunderbolt dock to take action, to supply energy and one-cable connectivity to each displays and to your whole peripherals to the MacBook Air.
This opens up some new use instances for Apple Silicon MacBook Air
This help goes a bit past simply workspaces. {Most professional} drawing tablets depend on exterior video to work correctly, and this may enable a MacBook Air consumer to have a big show and use that pill on the similar time.
Apple has but to replace its help paperwork for the MacBook Air’s new Clamshell mode. If there are any notable adjustments past what we have right here, we’ll replace accordingly.
