User level: Level 1 (4 points)Is it possible for iPad Pro M1-M4 to gain 120fps video source output on external monitor via OTA update?
I don’t know if there are any similar precedents, but 40Gbps bandwidth port is absolutely feasible to output 2K/120fps.
There is no hardware bottleneck whatsoever. Yet Apple only gave this feature to newest iPad Pro M5, which is absolutely ridiculous.
Posted on Sep 17, 2026 12:10 AM
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Sep 17, 2026 2:37 AM in response to 经纬16
Sorry, no.
While the iPad Pro M1 through M4 support up to 120Hz ProMotion for the iPad's built-in screen, these processors do not support 120Hz to an external screen/monitor.
iPad Pro M1 through M4 models are hardware limited to 60Hz refresh for external monitors. Only the M5 processor supports 120Hz.
iPad Pro M5
Display Support
Supports full native resolution on the built-in display at millions of colours
Thunderbolt 3 digital video output
Video mirroring
Full specifications for the iPad Pro M5 can be found here:
User level: Level 1 (52 points)Sep 17, 2026 2:39 AM in response to 经纬16
Yes, it is technically possible that Apple could enable 120 Hz external-display output on M1–M4 iPad Pros through an iPadOS/OTA update, but it isn't confirmed that this is purely a software limitation.
The M1–M4 models have Thunderbolt/USB4 up to 40 Gbps, which provides more than enough raw bandwidth for 1440p/120 Hz. Their GPUs and internal display pipelines can also handle high-refresh-rate displays. However, the external-output limit may depend on the DisplayPort implementation, display controller, firmware, or Apple's software configuration, not simply the 40-Gbps port.
Apple officially limits the older models' external-display specifications, while newer iPad Pro hardware supports higher-refresh external output.
Bottom line: An OTA update could potentially unlock 120 Hz on M1–M4, but without Apple confirming that their complete external-display hardware supports the required mode, we can't say there is “no hardware limitation whatsoever.” If the hardware already supports the mode, then withholding it would effectively be a software/product-segmentation decision.
User level: Level 2 (338 points)Sep 17, 2026 4:37 AM in response to 经纬16
No. Apple currently caps refresh rate of all iPad screens on external monitors to a standard 60 Hz.
User level: Level 9 (55,707 points)Sep 17, 2026 2:44 AM in response to 经纬16
Re: "The M1–M4 models have Thunderbolt/USB4 up to 40 Gbps, which provides more than enough raw bandwidth for 1440p/120 Hz."
Note that 40 Gpbs is the theoretical speed of a Thunderbolt connection,before overhead. Most displays do not attach via Thunderbolt, but via USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) or adapters from it, which offers considerably less bandwidth.
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Sep 17, 2026 4:47 AM in response to aashmansingh_4
aashmansingh_4 wrote:
No. Apple currently caps refresh rate of all iPad screens on external monitors to a standard 60 Hz.
Not so. iPads Pro with an M5 CPU do support 120Hz refresh with external monitors.
Please check your facts before posting.
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Sep 17, 2026 4:59 AM in response to aashmansingh_4
aashmansingh_4 wrote: Wait! The Author asked for M1-M4. Not M5, Silly. Do check your tone and truth evidence before putting blame.
You clearly and incorrectly stated in your prior response that "Apple currently caps refresh rate of all iPad screens on external monitors to a standard 60 Hz".
Please carefully consider your facts and wording before posting - as otherwise you can expect to be challenged for posting misleading information.
User level: Level 2 (338 points)Sep 17, 2026 4:50 AM in response to LotusPilot
Wait! The Author asked for M1-M4. Not M5, Silly. Do check your tone and truth evidence before putting blame.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256358750