Apple has just released a new version of macOS, and with the update to Sonoma 14.6 an important new feature arrives on the base (vanilla M3) MacBook Pro 14-inch: dual-display support.
With macOS Sonoma 14.6 installed, owners of this MacBook Pro model can now use dual external displays with the laptop while it is in clamshell mode (that is, when the device’s lid is closed).
Previously, the base MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 model only supported use of a single display in clamshell mode, while higher-end spins on this laptop with the M3 Pro and M3 Max processors could handle two. Oddly enough, the MacBook Air M3 models also supported dual-monitor use in this fashion when they debuted in March 2024, leaving us in a rather odd situation where the Air M3 outperformed the entry-level Pro M3 laptop at multi-display support.
Apple promised at the time to remedy this situationand the solution is finally here with the Sonoma 14.6 update – after quite a wait, it must be said.
After installing this update, your MacBook Pro 14-inch with vanilla M3 chip will be able to support two external displays at 5K resolution (up to 50Hz) with the lid closed, or one external display at 6K resolution with the lid open.
If you’d like more information on this development, you can consult the macOS Sonoma 14.6 support document. You may also want to check out the support document specifically addressing dual monitor use with a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with the M3 chip.
Stay safe and up to date with macOS Sonoma 14.6
In addition to these key features for the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3, macOS Sonoma 14.6 delivers several vulnerability fixes, which are described in detail in this support document about the security content of the update. MacRumors Notes that fortunately there have been no reports of malicious parties abusing these vulnerabilities.
Apple has of course addressed and documented these security issues here , so that will draw attention to them and potentially mean more people will want to exploit these vulnerabilities. As such, it’s a good idea to make sure you update your Mac to this latest version as soon as possible if you’re running macOS Sonoma, to ensure that your device is as secure as possible.
You can do this by opening System settingsgo to the Software update section and download the update for free. macOS Sonoma 14.6 should be released if your Mac meets all the requirements.