How Can I Connect a Mac M1 to BenQ Monitors? [Updated]

Since Apple began to incorporate their proprietary M1 chip desgn into their products, we at BenQ have received a significant number of inquiries and questions concerning the compatibility of our monitors with these new M1-based apple products. People are wondered about connectivity between an M1-based Mac and their BenQ monitors and the different ways that can be accomplished. We're here to discuss the most frequently asked questions about connected your M1-based Mac to your favorite BenQ design or photo editing monitor.

I you are unable to find an answer to your question and would like assistance with your BenQ product - please reach out to us at BenQ Support. Set up a quick live chat and get your questions answered right away.

Yes. We strongly recommend connecting BenQ monitors to Mac M1 directly via HDMI or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) in order to maintain consistent performance.

BenQ has a series of monitors that support M1-based Mac Mini and MacBook Pro laptops, so you can select one of those to achieve the connectivity you need. Take a look below for links to the right monitor models.

The new M1 CPU platform from Apple may cause the resolution and refresh rate to be limited to 4K 30Hz when connected via USB-C. In order to fix this compatibility issue, new firmware was released for the monitor, so please make sure to update. Other connections such as DisplayPort and HDMI do not have this issue.  

Again, the resolution and refresh rate being limited to 4K 30Hz results from a compatibility issue limited to USB-C when connected to an M1-based device. A new firmware version is available to resolve this issue, which doesn't affect DisplayPort and HDMI.  

Apple M1 devices with Thunderbolt 3 connections to monitors may exhibit a resolution and refresh rate lock to 4K 30Hz. Make sure you have MacOS 11.5 or a later version installed with all the newest updates to resolve this issue, which is caused by an out of date operating system version. 

The new M1 CPU platform from Apple may cause the resolution and refresh rate to be limited to QHD 60Hz when connected via DisplayPort and USB-C. In order to fix this compatibility issue, new firmware was released. Other connections such as HDMI do not have this issue. 

If there's any further question concerning this issue, please contact BenQ Support.

If your BenQ monitor uses HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort for video input, it will work with any properly-certified and made USB-C to DisplayPort or HDMI adapters. But in order to get the best experience, we suggest you buy Thunderbolt 3 (or USB-C Alt Mode) compatible monitors. BenQ cannot vouch for the quality or performance of third party adapters.

We recommend connecting your monitor directly to Mac M1 via HDMI or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)  to ensure the best performance. Make sure your monitors support either of these connection types.

Yes, we've released a new version of PME to support the M1 platform via Rosetta 2. Please download the latest version from the BenQ website.

BenQ DesignVue PD series designer monitors currently support the Apple M1-based devices natively when using our Display Pilot software with version 1.0.9.5 or later. However, there are two limitations in the scenarios listed below: 

1. Mac Mini, Macbook M1 Pro & Macbook M1 Max cannot sync with our PD series monitors when using the HDMI port. Thus, we recommend connecting the monitor via the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable or USB-C to DisplayPort cable when using Display Pilot as part of your workflow.

2. Currently, Macbook M1 Pro & Macbook M1 Max can’t recognize two individual monitors with the same model name, as it will lead to the mismatch error on the Display Pilot. While we’re working on a possible solution, we suggest you use the monitor OSD menu or the Hotkey Puck to control each monitor as a workaround and not use the Display Pilot when connecting two monitors with the same model name. We will keep our customers informed once a solution becomes available.

Please download Display Pilot and other drivers & software here: Download.

Display Pilot: When using the latest Display Pilot version, BenQ DesignVue PD series monitors natively support the Apple M1 platform and do not require the installation of Rosetta virtualization and emulation software. 

PME (Palette Master Element) and PCS (Paper Color Sync) both support M1 devices via Rosetta 2, so users will need to install Rosetta 2 if not installed yet. This does not affect normal usage.