How to Get 4K 120Hz on Your Mac via HDMI (macOS 26 Update)
Ever wonder why your high-res monitor still feels "slow" when plugged into your Mac? Even with a sharp 4K picture, many HDMI connections on Mac have been capped at 60Hz—until now.
Dive into how macOS 26 finally brings native support for HDMI 2.1 Fixed Rate Link (FRL) over USB-C. This update allows compatible Apple silicon Macs to drive high-resolution, high-refresh displays (like 4K at 120Hz) through HDMI, making scrolling smoother and animations cleaner.
What we cover:
HDMI 2.0 vs. 2.1: Why bandwidth and FRL matter for your display.
Compatibility: Which Apple silicon Macs (M3 and newer) support this feature.
The Hardware You Need: Why certified "Ultra High Speed" cables and the right adapters/docks are essential.
The Clamshell Caveat: How to manage dual external displays on M3 Macs.
Setup Guide: How to configure your System Settings to ensure you're hitting those high refresh rates.