The HDMI forum just announced a brand new update to the HDMI specification. This includes major upgrades in available bandwidth, screen resolutions, as well as a new HDMI cable feature name called Ultra96. HDMI is now up to version 2.2, up from the previous 2.1b specification from August 2023.

• Download: HDMI-2-2-Specification-Overview-20250625.pdf.zip (1.8MB)
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(Above: Illustration is not exactly to scale, and is relative to what is represented here.)
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All The New Resolutions and refresh rates

Although HDMI 2.2 goes all the way up to 16K, higher refresh rates and different features are available at lower resolutions.

• 16K: 15360 x 8640 – up to 60 Hz
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• 12K: 12288 x 6480 – up to 120 Hz
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• 10K: 10240 x 4320 – up to 120 Hz
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• 8K: 7860 x 4320 – up to 60@4:4:4 at 10-bit and 12-bit color (Uncompressed Full Chroma)
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• 6K: 6144 x 3160
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• 5K: 5120 x 2880 – up to 240 Hz
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• 4K: 3840 x 2160 – up to 240@4:4:4 at 10-bit and 12-bit color (Uncompressed Full Chroma)
  • Up to 480 Hz overall
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• Bandwidth: Up to 96Gbps, with 64 and 80 Gbps specs as well. Ultra96 cables support 96Gb/s
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What is Chroma Subsampling?

“Chroma subsampling is the practice of encoding images by implementing less resolution for chroma information than for luma information, taking advantage of the human visual system’s lower acuity for color differences than for luminance” (Wikipedia contributors, “Chroma subsampling”, June 25th 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chroma_subsampling)

• See: Chroma subsampling – Wikipedia

(Above: Click to enlarge image in browser or download from their site)
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Some Improvements

There are tangible improvements over the previous HDMI specification which can benefit people who game or desire a higher a refresh rate from their monitor. The links go into more detail on their site.

• LIP – (Latency Indication Protocol) – a new sync method for audio/video. Particularly with systems that have multiple-hop system setups like a soundbar or a receiver.
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• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) – Intended for more fluid gameplay
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• ALLM – (Auto Low Latency Mode)
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• QFT – (Quick Frame Transport) – for smoother, no lag gaming
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• Better support for modern displays
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Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable vs Ultra96 Cable

While the naming convention can seem a bit confusing, it’s important to know the differences clearly before ever making a purchase decision. This way you know exactly what you’re getting.

• Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable: IS labeled clearly this way on the package.
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• Ultra96 Cable: Has Ultra96 HDMI “cert” on all packages, and “Ultra96” name on cable jackets

1080p vs 4K vs 8K pixel density, at a glance

While HDMI 2.2 goes all the way up to 16K, there are many individuals who find 4K and even 1080p perfectly suitable. To provide a relative reference point, here is a comparison below from the HDMI press resources website.

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eArc comparison chart

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Implications for the future of Macs and tech

Right now, the best a Mac can do is eight 6K@60 displays or four 8K@60 displays if you’re already on an M3 Ultra Mac Studio. It’ll take some time for 16K to make its way to Macs, of course. While it was inevitable that screen resolutions will only increase with time, the zeitgeist was sort-of already there.

• Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality, using the Vision Pro as a Mac display
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• Much higher resolution Macs, and potentially even larger displays
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• Being able to see and discern detail on a screen like never before
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• Potential implications for professional, medical, and educational applications due to the iron element of such a high screen resolution resulting in high pixel density on smaller displays. Important for where discerning details matter with the human eye.