Mac Studio Display not detected issue

TidBITS Talk
1

Hoping for some original ideas. I have a Apple Studio Display, now 3 years old. It is connected to a 2023 M2 Max Mac Studio. For years when the Studio connected, the Display became operational as one would expect. One day, the Display did not come on. I tried unplugging the Display and Studio. I plugged the Thunderbolt cable into different ports in the back of the Studio. Finally took the Display to the Apple Store.

Of course, at the Apple Store, the Display came on. I bought and began using a new Thunderbolt cable and a new surge protector. The Display worked for a couple of days, then stopped again.

I took the Display and the Mac Studio back to the Apple Store. This time the Genius updated the Firmware while I waited; the Display came on. The Display also was detected when plugged into my Macbook Air M3. I took the Display and everything home where it only worked for a couple of days, then stopped.

I brought the Display and the Mac Studio back to the Apple Store again. The Genius agreed to replace the logic board in the Display. Fortunately, I have AppleCare. Brought the Display home after the repair-two weeks in the shop- and it worked for a couple of days, then stopped again.

I have not seen reports of this problem where I have searched. At this point, I wonder if the Thunderbolt connections in the back of the Mac Studio may be the problem. Also, I do not know if the Thunderbolt connection in the rear of the Display was replaced with the logic board. I have another Genius Bar appointment, and will try again.

Very interested in ideas or Troubleshooting suggestions.

Many thanks, GM

2

If your laptop continues to work with it, the likelihood is indeed the Studio. I’d bring that to the next appointment.

3

A possibility: electrical appliances that draw a lot of power, such as a refrigerator or HVAC unit, or nearby non-incandescent light bulbs may be causing interference. I don’t do this in my house but I’ve read that adding ferrite chokes to appliance power cord plugs can help. For light bulbs, switching to a different brand of CFL or LED bulb could make a difference.