Apple‘s transition to its custom silicon has brought many benefits to the Mac lineup, but one limitation has persisted – most models could only drive a single external display when the laptop lid was closed, even if the hardware was technically capable of more. However, that’s about to change for one of Apple’s newest M3 Macs.

When Apple unveiled the M3 MacBook Air this month, it came with an exciting new capability – the ability to simultaneously drive two external monitors when the lid is closed. This marked the first time an entry-level Apple silicon MacBook could take advantage of a multi-display setup, a feature previously reserved for the more powerful (and expensive) Pro, Max, and Ultra chip variants.

Now, it appears that the recently released 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro will soon gain the same multi-display functionality through an upcoming software update, according to confirmation from Apple. While no specific details were provided on which update will enable the feature, the upcoming macOS Sonoma 14.4 release, currently in beta testing, seems like a likely candidate.

The new multi-display support for the M3 MacBook Pro will work identically to the implementation on the M3 MacBook Air. With the laptop’s lid closed, users will be able to connect two external displays, effectively turning the compact Pro into a capable desktop setup when needed.

This move brings the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro in line with its “Pro” moniker, as previous iterations of the Apple silicon MacBook Pro lineup have enjoyed multi-display capabilities from the start, thanks to their more powerful M1 Pro and M2 Pro chips. The Mac mini has also been able to drive two displays since the M1 era, thanks to its desktop form factor and HDMI port.

While the MacBook Air still lags behind in terms of overall multi-display support – it can only utilize two external monitors when the lid is closed, unlike the Pro models which can drive the built-in display and two external monitors simultaneously – this update closes the gap between the Air and Pro laptop lines when it comes to docked, desktop-like setups.

For power users and professionals who rely on multi-display setups, the M3 MacBook Pro with its upgraded capabilities now becomes an even more attractive option, combining portability with the ability to drive a robust desktop workstation when needed. And for those who have already invested in the new 14-inch model, this software update will be a welcome addition, unlocking new levels of productivity and versatility for their machines.