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The current Mac Studio connects to displays, storage, wired and wireless accessories, and networks through Thunderbolt 5 USB-C, HDMI 2.1, USB-A, Ethernet, an SDXC card slot, audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. The front USB-C ports differ between M5 Max and M5 Ultra, and the number of displays you can use at once depends on the chip, resolution, and refresh rate.
Mac Studio ports at a glance
| Connection | Location | What it supports |
|---|---|---|
| Four Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports | Rear | Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120Gb/s), USB 4 (up to 120Gb/s), USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s), and DisplayPort 2.1 |
| Two USB-A ports | Rear | USB 3 up to 5Gb/s |
| HDMI 2.1 | Rear | Direct connection to an HDMI display; supported display modes depend on the Mac configuration and display |
| Two USB-C ports | Front, M5 Max | USB-C up to 10Gb/s |
| Two Thunderbolt 5 ports | Front, M5 Ultra | Thunderbolt 5 up to 120Gb/s |
| SDXC card slot | Front | UHS-II |
| 10Gb Ethernet | Rear | RJ-45 Nbase-T at 1Gb, 2.5Gb, 5Gb, or 10Gb Ethernet |
| 3.5 mm headphone jack | Rear | Wired headphones, including high-impedance headphones |
Apple also lists Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6, and Thread for wireless networking and compatible devices. HDMI supports multichannel audio output. Port specifications are from Apple’s Mac Studio technical specifications.
Which displays can you connect?
You can connect a display over Thunderbolt/USB-C or HDMI. Apple states that the number of displays usable at once depends on the Mac model and the resolution and refresh rate of each display. Its current limits differ substantially between M5 Max and M5 Ultra.
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M5 Max display configurations
- Up to five displays: Four displays up to 6K at 60Hz or 4K at 165Hz, plus a fifth display up to 5K at 60Hz over HDMI.
- Higher-resolution three-display mode: Two displays up to 8K at 60Hz, 5K at 120Hz, or 4K at 240Hz, plus a third display up to 5K at 60Hz over HDMI.
M5 Ultra display configurations
- Up to eight displays: Displays up to 6K at 60Hz or 4K at 165Hz.
- Up to four displays at higher resolutions: Displays up to 8K at 60Hz, 5K at 120Hz, or 4K at 240Hz.
- Apple says up to four external displays can be supported over a single Thunderbolt port.
Apple also lists variable refresh rate (VRR), HDR, multichannel audio, and DisplayPort 2.1 support on Thunderbolt 5. These specifications describe supported configurations, not a guarantee that every monitor and cable combination will achieve every maximum. Check the display’s inputs and documentation, the cable’s supported mode, and your Mac’s exact chip and generation. Apple’s model-by-model external display guide separates Mac Studio configurations by generation.
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What accessories and devices work directly?
Displays and HDMI cables
Use a compatible USB-C/Thunderbolt display path or connect an HDMI monitor or television to the HDMI 2.1 port. An HDMI 2.1 cable is optional, not an automatic requirement: choose a cable that supports the resolution and refresh rate you intend to use, and confirm that the display has the matching input. Apple lists only the Mac Studio and a power cord in the box, so plan separately for a display and any cable it requires.
Storage and everyday peripherals
Thunderbolt 5 ports connect compatible Thunderbolt and USB-C storage or peripherals. The actual transfer rate depends on the connected device and cable as well as the Mac port. USB-A accessories can plug into either of the two rear USB-A ports without a hub, provided they use a compatible USB-A connection.
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SDXC cards
Insert compatible SDXC media into the front UHS-II slot. A separate reader may be needed for other card formats; the built-in slot does not establish compatibility with every type of memory card.
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Network, audio, and wireless devices
- Wired network: Use the RJ-45 Ethernet port to connect to a compatible router or switch. The link speed is negotiated with the network equipment and cabling; Apple lists support up to 10Gb Ethernet.
- Audio: Connect wired headphones to the 3.5 mm jack, send multichannel audio through HDMI, or use a compatible Bluetooth audio device.
- Wireless accessories: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support compatible network and device connections, including keyboards and mice.
Check these details before buying a display or accessory
- Identify the Mac Studio chip and generation. The front ports differ between current M5 Max and M5 Ultra configurations, and earlier Mac Studio generations have their own specifications.
- For displays, write down the full target mode. Check the number of displays, each display’s resolution and refresh rate, and whether you plan to use Thunderbolt/USB-C, HDMI, or both.
- Match the cable and display input to that mode. Verify the exact monitor input and cable capabilities rather than assuming the port’s maximum guarantees the same result with any equipment.
- For other devices, check the device interface. Confirm whether it uses Thunderbolt, USB-C, USB-A, SDXC, Ethernet, audio, or a supported wireless connection, and select any adapter only if the device’s connector requires one.
Current M5 specifications should not be applied automatically to an older Mac Studio. Apple’s support guide lists display information by model and generation.
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- Note: The hub requires 15W for operation. Please use a 100W Power Delivery charger and cable to ensure adequate power.
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