In a move that’s sure to catch the attention of Mac users — particularly those with the latest M4 Pro machines — LG just unveiled its new UltraFine 6K Display at CES 2025. It calls the monitor, model 32U990A (no firm release date yet), the world’s first 6K display to feature Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.
So not only does it share Pro Display XDR’s amazing resolution, it packs the bleeding-edge connectivity speeds of TB5. That makes it an ideal companion for the recently launched M4 Pro Mac mini and M4 Pro and Max MacBook Pro models.
LG UltraFine 6K Display
The 32-inch LG UltraFine 6K Display features a design that appears to draw inspiration from Apple’s own display lineup. With minimal bezels and a clean, logo-free front panel, the monitor sports a sleek, rectangular form factor complemented by a height-adjustable stand reminiscent of Apple’s popular 5K Studio Display. Those are nice refinements over the 2019 UltraFine 5K Display.
Under the hood, the UltraFine 6K employs a Nano IPS Black panel, delivering impressive color accuracy with coverage of 99.5% of the Adobe RGB color space and 98% of DCI-P3. While these specifications may not quite match the Pro Display XDR‘s capabilities, the choice of IPS Black technology over more expensive alternatives like miniLED or OLED suggests LG is aiming for a more accessible price point while maintaining professional-grade color accuracy.
Massive Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth
The monitor’s Thunderbolt 5 connectivity is particularly noteworthy for Mac users, as it aligns perfectly with Apple’s latest M4 Pro and Max machines. This new standard offers 80Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth, with the potential for up to 120Gbps in one direction when bandwidth boost is enabled. While the exact refresh rate remains unconfirmed, the substantial bandwidth headroom of Thunderbolt 5 could potentially support 120Hz operation at 6K resolution, which would pair well with ProMotion-enabled MacBooks.
For creative professionals, LG has included calibration software support, allowing for precise color adjustments and maintenance of accuracy over time. The 6K resolution, while not officially specified, is likely to be comparable to either Apple’s Pro Display XDR (6016 x 3384) or Dell’s UltraSharp 6K (6144 x 3456), providing ample screen real estate for detailed creative work.
However, potential buyers should consider that Thunderbolt 5 compatibility is currently limited to Apple’s latest M4 Pro and M4 Max machines. While it’s reasonable to expect backward compatibility with lower resolutions or refresh rates for older hardware, this detail awaits confirmation from LG.
But at what price?
The announcement comes at an interesting time in the professional display market, where Dell’s U3224KB 6K monitor (released in 2023) has already established itself as a strong contender at $2,479.99, far less than Pro Display XDR’s price ($5,000 to $6,000). While LG’s new offering boasts the advantage of Thunderbolt 5, the practical benefits of this upgrade over Thunderbolt 4 may be minimal for many users, as both standards offer ample bandwidth for 6K video transmission.
LG has yet to announce pricing or availability details for the UltraFine 6K Display. The success of this monitor in the Mac ecosystem will likely depend heavily on its final price point and how it compares to existing options like the Dell UltraSharp 6K and Apple’s own 5K Studio Display.
For Mac users, particularly those who have invested in the latest M4 Pro hardware, the LG UltraFine 6K seems like a promising option that combines cutting-edge connectivity with professional-grade display capabilities. But the value proposition won’t become clear until LG reveals the complete specifications and pricing details.
