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Possibly—but not on every Mac. A hands-on report found that macOS 27 Golden Gate could keep High Dynamic Range enabled on a third-party HDR monitor at a 2560 × 1440 scaled resolution, where macOS 26 Tahoe reportedly switched HDR off. The setting combination worked on the reporter’s M4 MacBook Pro but not on an M1 Max MacBook Pro, so treat it as a hardware-dependent result, not a guaranteed fix.
What macOS 27 reportedly changes
With macOS 26 Tahoe, 9to5Mac’s Jeff Benjamin reported that choosing 2560 × 1440 on an HDR10-capable external display made the High Dynamic Range control unavailable, returning the display to Standard Dynamic Range. On a 4K display, he could enable HDR at 1920 × 1080 instead, but that gave him a less spacious desktop.
In macOS 27 Golden Gate, Benjamin showed HDR enabled at 2560 × 1440 without third-party software. This is a report of a specific setup, not an Apple-documented feature guarantee or a broad compatibility test. Read the October 5, 2026, report.
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Which Macs and displays have been shown to work?
The reporter said the 2560 × 1440-and-HDR combination worked on an M4 MacBook Pro running macOS 27, but he could not select both settings on an M1 Max MacBook Pro running the same macOS version. That difference makes the Mac’s hardware a material part of the result; the report does not establish compatibility across other Macs, GPUs, adapters, docks, monitors, or scaled resolutions.
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The monitor in the reported setup was Dell’s 32-inch 4K OLED UltraSharp U3226Q. Its appearance in the test shows that the setting worked with that monitor in that setup; it is not a certification or recommendation for the model. The report details the test setup.
What Apple says you need for external HDR
Apple’s general HDR-video guidance calls for the latest macOS, a compatible Mac, and an HDR10-compatible display, TV, or projector. The supported Mac families listed by Apple include MacBook Pro models introduced in 2018 or later; MacBook Air models introduced in 2018 or later, with Apple silicon required for external HDR; MacBook Neo; iMac models introduced in 2020 or later and iMac Pro; Mac mini models introduced in 2018 or later; Mac Studio models introduced in 2022 or later; and Mac Pro models introduced in 2019 or later. These are baseline HDR-video requirements—not a list of Macs confirmed to support HDR at 2560 × 1440 in macOS 27. See Apple’s HDR-video requirements and guidance.
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- Advanced Synchronization Technologies: FreeSync Premium, G-Sync compatible and AdaptiveSync technology delivers a seamless, tear-free gaming experience by enabling VRR (variable refresh rate) by default
- High Dynamic Range Support: HDR technology supports HDR-10 format to enhance bright and dark areas for improved visual depth and contrast
- Package Contents: DisplayPort cable, L-shaped Screwdriver, Power cord, Power adapter, Quick start guide, Warranty Card
For connections, Apple says to connect a DisplayPort display to the Mac’s Thunderbolt port, or an HDMI display to HDMI. Where needed, HDMI can connect through Thunderbolt using an HDMI cable and USB-C adapter. The High Dynamic Range control in Displays settings appears for third-party displays that support HDR10.
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- Confirm baseline compatibility. Check that your Mac supports external HDR and that the monitor supports HDR10. Apple’s general model requirements do not confirm the specific 2560 × 1440 behavior.
- Update software and monitor firmware. Install the latest available macOS and check the monitor manufacturer’s instructions for firmware updates.
- Turn on HDR in macOS. Open System Settings → Displays, select the external display, and look for High Dynamic Range. If it is unavailable at 2560 × 1440, test whether the control appears at another resolution; results may vary by Mac.
- Check the monitor itself. Make sure its own HDR setting is enabled, if it has one.
- Check the entire signal path. The cable, adapter, dock, receiver, sound bar, and other devices between the Mac and display must support HDR10. A single incompatible link can prevent HDR from working.
- If only streaming video appears in SDR, check battery settings. Apple says Optimise video streaming while on battery can cause HDR video to play in SDR when the Mac is on battery.
- Check the streaming provider. Third-party services vary in whether they support HDR on Mac, so a display setting cannot override a provider’s limitations.
What this does—and does not—establish
The reported improvement is specific: HDR stayed enabled at a 2560 × 1440 scaled resolution on one tested Mac-and-monitor setup, rather than falling back to SDR as the reporter observed in Tahoe. Apple’s general support documentation explains HDR requirements and troubleshooting but does not independently document this scaled-resolution change. Apple announced that the macOS 27 rollout began September 14, 2026; that announcement confirms the rollout date, not the behavior on particular hardware. Apple’s rollout announcement.
Quick Recap
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- ASUS Fast IPS technology enables a 1ms response time (GTG) for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology enables ELMB together with variable refresh rate, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates.
- DisplayWidget Center enables easy OSD access and monitor settings adjustments with a mouse.
- USB Type-C hub supports video transmission in DisplayPort signal; can serve as a USB hub, meaning that you can connect your device to your wired peripherals with clutter-free set-up
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- The 180Hz refresh rate minimizes lag for gameplay with ultra-smooth action. Plus, the 1ms response time helps capture your moves in real-time, allowing you to react fast for gaming precision
- AMD FreeSync reduces choppiness, screen lag and image tearing, ensuring that your fast-paced, complex in-game action is stable with minimal stutter
- Ergonomic stand allows for tilt, pivot and height adjustments to maximize gaming comfort
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- EXHILARATE YOUR SENSES: Experience the next level of heart-pounding gaming; Vivid scenes wrap even more tightly around you with the 1000R curved display, filling your peripheral vision and drawing you right into the character's shoes
- STAY IN SYNC WITH ALL THE ACTION: AMD Radeon FreeSync keeps your monitor and graphics card refresh rate in sync to reduce image tearing, providing a superfluid entertainment experience. Watch movies and play games without interruptions
- FIND HIDDEN DETAILS OTHERS MISS: Awe-inspiring graphics with HDR10; A kaleidoscope of shades brings game scenes to life with incredible vibrancy; Uncover secrets hiding in the shadows with deep dark blacks, luminous whites & detailed resolution
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