LG's New UltraFine 5K Display Limited to 4K Resolution When Used With 2018 iPad Pro

LG yesterday released a new version of its UltraFine 5K Display with USB-C connectivity, allowing it to be used with 2018 iPad Pro models, but Apple has since confirmed that the ‌iPad Pro‌ cannot take advantage of the full 5K resolution.

lg ultrafine 5k display ipad pro
In a new support document, Apple says the UltraFine 5K is limited to a 4K resolution of 3,840×2,160 at 60Hz when connected to 2018 ‌iPad Pro‌ models via USB-C. The full 5K resolution requires a 2016 or newer MacBook Pro, a 2018 or newer MacBook Air, a 2017 or newer iMac or ‌iMac‌ Pro, or a 2018 Mac mini.

The new UltraFine 5K Display is available to order for $1,299.95 on Apple.com. Like the previous model, it also supports Thunderbolt 3, with up to 94W of power for pass-through charging of any Mac or iPad connected to the display.

The new display has the model number 27MD5KL-B.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Tags: LG, UltraFine
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Don't Buy)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

dannys1 Avatar
80 months ago
Well that's not a surprise - I'm pretty sure standard USB-C can't carry a 5k 60hz signal, it's not in the spec for starters.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Manzanito Avatar
80 months ago
Imagine having the most svelte and streamlined tablet on the market connected to a fugly bezel-thick monitor that looks like it came out of a ca. 2007 accounting firm. The resolution would be the least of my concerns.
While using it, are you going to look at the screen or at the bezels? The resolution is imho more important.

The monitor is not a beauty, though.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lunarworks Avatar
80 months ago
Provoke all you want, but Apple WAS about both form and function. Think Cinema Display (RIP). Speaking as a design director who's been working all day with Macs for the last couple decades and can afford to buy the whole lineup a few times over. I'd rather buy something that doesn't offend my eyes. What's your point exactly?

Steve, you are so missed.
This isn't an Apple product. Calm down.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
otternonsense Avatar
80 months ago
Imagine having the most svelte and streamlined tablet on the market connected to a fugly bezel-thick monitor that looks like it came out of a ca. 2007 accounting firm. The resolution would be the least of my concerns.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
EugW Avatar
80 months ago
it has not enough bandwidth , since tb3 is still under Intel license
www.displayport.org ('http://www.displayport.org') states that technically, USB-C can now support 5K resolution.

https://www.displayport.org/displayport-over-usb-c/


DisplayPort leverages the Alternate Mode Functional Extension of the USB Type-C interface, and shares similar electrical characteristics with USB 3.1, allowing use of common system elements.


* Video, SuperSpeed USB and power, all on one connector
* 4K @60Hz 24-bit color (without compression) with simultaneous USB 3.1
* 5K (5120 x 2880) display support without compression with simultaneous USB 2.0
* Support for BT.2020 color space, HDR, and HDCP 2.2
* 8K x 4K display support with use of 4:2:0 pixel structure (good) or VESA Display Stream Compression (better)
* High-end multichannel audio support
* Backward compatible with VGA, DVI, and HDMI 2.0 with CEC using plug adapters or adapter cables
* Extensible packet-based data structure



It's just that the 2018 iPad Pro models or the 12" MacBooks can't do it.

However, simultaneous 5K video plus USB support over USB-C is limited to USB 2.0. To get simultaneous 5K + USB 3, you need to use Thunderbolt.


So to be clear the previous generation 5K display was unable to handle an iPad Pro 2018 connected to it? Can anyone verify this? I've read the previous generation 4K display worked fine with iPad Pro 2018.
The previous 5K display is Thunderbolt 3 only. It didn't work at all with the iPad Pro. The previous 4K display is USB-C. The new 5K display accepts both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C inputs.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DrJohnnyN Avatar
80 months ago
Ugly bezels. Looks like cheap plastic casing, too.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)