{
  "id": "mba-m1-external-display",
  "modelId": "mba-m1",
  "title": "One native external display on M1 Air",
  "intent": "Separate the M1 display-count limit from a cable, input or detection problem.",
  "category": "connections",
  "sourceIds": [
    "mac-display",
    "mac-spec",
    "mac-safety"
  ],
  "diagramId": "laptop-m1-ports",
  "prerequisites": [
    "Built-in display works",
    "One native external display used for the test"
  ],
  "tools": [
    "Powered monitor with correct input selected",
    "Compatible video-capable cable or adapter"
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "id": "limit",
      "text": "The M1 Air supports one native external display, up to 6K at 60 Hz. Record a second native display as outside this task; software-driven display adapters need their own support.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-spec"
      ],
      "locator": "Display Support"
    },
    {
      "id": "path",
      "text": "Keep the lid open. Connect the powered monitor directly, removing the dock from this comparison. Confirm the monitor input and video capability of the cable/adapter.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-display"
      ],
      "locator": "Check cables and connections"
    },
    {
      "id": "detect",
      "text": "Open Displays in System Settings, or System Preferences on older macOS. Hold Option to expose Detect Displays. If the Mac asks to allow your own display, review that request locally.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-display"
      ],
      "locator": "Detect your display / Allow your display to connect"
    },
    {
      "id": "compare",
      "text": "Record whether the monitor is detected separately from whether an image appears. Compare one documented compatible cable while holding monitor, input and display mode constant.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-display"
      ],
      "locator": "Check cables / Find out what your Mac supports; original matrix"
    },
    {
      "id": "retain",
      "text": "If direct video works and the dock path fails, keep that distinction for the dock vendor. A blank image after detection should include the monitor’s input and brightness checks.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-display"
      ],
      "locator": "Check cables / Check display brightness"
    }
  ],
  "checks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "question": "Is there swelling, a lifted case or trackpad, liquid damage, smoke, a burning smell, or damaged power equipment?",
      "goal": "Establish whether any powered comparison is safe.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safety"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "safe",
          "label": "No visible danger",
          "next": "count"
        },
        {
          "id": "danger",
          "label": "Yes, or suspected damage",
          "next": "stop"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "count",
      "question": "Is the trial limited to one native external display?",
      "goal": "Respect the M1 hardware limit.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-spec"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "one",
          "label": "One display",
          "next": "path"
        },
        {
          "id": "multiple",
          "label": "Trying more than one native display",
          "next": "limit"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "path",
      "question": "Is the powered display connected directly through a compatible video path?",
      "goal": "Remove the dock and input confounders.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-display"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Direct path confirmed",
          "next": "video"
        },
        {
          "id": "not-ready",
          "label": "Cable/input compatibility not established",
          "next": "attention"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "video",
      "question": "What did the direct connection show?",
      "goal": "Distinguish detection, image and dock behavior.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-display"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "working",
          "label": "Usable image directly",
          "next": "ready"
        },
        {
          "id": "detected-dark",
          "label": "Detected, but image remains dark",
          "next": "service"
        },
        {
          "id": "absent",
          "label": "Not detected with available compatible comparison",
          "next": "service"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "terminals": {
    "ready": {
      "type": "preparation_saved",
      "title": "Direct display baseline saved",
      "text": "Keep the direct working mode before investigating the dock or a second-display solution.",
      "handoff": [
        "Record direct cable type and selected input.",
        "Give the dock vendor the direct-versus-dock result if that path still fails."
      ]
    },
    "limit": {
      "type": "maintenance_possible",
      "title": "Use a supported comparison",
      "text": "Test one native external monitor on this M1 Air. Additional-display software has separate requirements.",
      "handoff": [
        "Identify whether an additional-display product uses its own software.",
        "Ask its vendor about exact M1/macOS support."
      ]
    },
    "attention": {
      "type": "maintenance_possible",
      "title": "Confirm the video path",
      "text": "A charging-only cable or unverified adapter cannot establish a display fault.",
      "handoff": [
        "Confirm cable/adapter video support in its documentation.",
        "Keep the monitor’s power and selected input in the record."
      ]
    },
    "service": {
      "type": "service_needed",
      "title": "Take detection and image results to support",
      "text": "A direct compatible setup still lacks usable video. Share both sides of the connection with Apple and the monitor vendor.",
      "handoff": [
        "Record detected versus absent, and dark versus usable image.",
        "Bring the exact monitor/cable/adapter details privately."
      ]
    },
    "uncertain": {
      "type": "preparation_saved",
      "title": "Keep the unanswered checks visible",
      "text": "The native display count, cable capability or detection result is not established.",
      "handoff": [
        "Provide native display count and direct connection result.",
        "Separate monitor detection from visible image.",
        "Keep unperformed conditions marked Not tested. Ask the provider to confirm these before further changes."
      ]
    },
    "stop": {
      "type": "service_needed",
      "title": "Stop the powered checks",
      "text": "Stop using or charging damaged equipment. Keep away from hot or smoking equipment; obtain emergency help for an immediate fire risk. Arrange manufacturer guidance before handling or transport.",
      "handoff": [
        "Tell Apple about the visible damage before arranging a MacBook Air service.",
        "Provide native display count and direct connection result.",
        "Do not open the case, remove the battery, press a lifted surface, or continue a test to complete this record."
      ]
    }
  },
  "missing": "The native display count, cable capability or detection result is not established.",
  "handoff": [
    "Provide native display count and direct connection result.",
    "Separate monitor detection from visible image."
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    "One native monitor limit was observed.",
    "Direct and dock paths are kept separate."
  ],
  "workflow": {
    "family": "condition-matrix",
    "summary": "Record detection and image separately for a supported single-display path.",
    "osOptions": [
      "macos26-plus",
      "macos-earlier",
      "macos-unknown"
    ],
    "fields": [
      {
        "id": "display-count",
        "label": "Native external displays",
        "type": "select",
        "options": [
          {
            "value": "unknown",
            "label": "Not checked"
          },
          {
            "value": "one",
            "label": "One"
          },
          {
            "value": "more",
            "label": "More than one"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "video-path",
        "label": "Connection being observed",
        "type": "select",
        "options": [
          {
            "value": "unknown",
            "label": "Not checked"
          },
          {
            "value": "direct-usbc",
            "label": "Direct USB-C video"
          },
          {
            "value": "direct-adapter",
            "label": "Direct video adapter"
          },
          {
            "value": "dock",
            "label": "Dock/hub"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "detection",
        "label": "Displays settings result",
        "type": "select",
        "options": [
          {
            "value": "unknown",
            "label": "Not checked"
          },
          {
            "value": "detected-image",
            "label": "Detected with image"
          },
          {
            "value": "detected-dark",
            "label": "Detected but dark"
          },
          {
            "value": "absent",
            "label": "Not detected"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "matrix": {
      "title": "Single-display conditions",
      "rows": [
        {
          "id": "direct",
          "label": "Direct monitor",
          "condition": "One powered monitor; verified input; lid open"
        },
        {
          "id": "other-cable",
          "label": "Alternative video cable",
          "condition": "Same monitor/input; one compatible cable change"
        },
        {
          "id": "dock",
          "label": "Dock path",
          "condition": "Only after a direct working baseline, using documented dock support"
        }
      ],
      "results": [
        {
          "value": "not-tested",
          "label": "Not tested"
        },
        {
          "value": "works",
          "label": "Works in this condition"
        },
        {
          "value": "fails",
          "label": "Fails in this condition"
        },
        {
          "value": "intermittent",
          "label": "Intermittent"
        },
        {
          "value": "not-applicable",
          "label": "Not applicable"
        }
      ]
    },
    "reportFocus": [
      "M1 native display limit",
      "Video cable capability",
      "Detection versus image"
    ],
    "notDoneGuidance": [
      "An unavailable compatible video cable remains Not tested.",
      "Do not treat a second native display as a failed Mac port."
    ]
  },
  "entityKind": "task",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "deviceFamily": "laptop",
  "modelApplicability": {
    "id": "mba-m1",
    "name": "MacBook Air M1",
    "family": "laptop",
    "revision": "MacBook Air (M1, 2020), Apple M1 chip",
    "os": "macOS Big Sur or later; Ventura and later call the preferences app System Settings. Diagnostic screens vary by macOS.",
    "region": "US-first; local repair provider requirements vary.",
    "help": "Choose Apple menu → About This Mac. Confirm MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and Chip: Apple M1. An Intel processor or another chip does not match.",
    "exclusions": [
      "MacBook Air Intel 2020",
      "MacBook Air M2",
      "MacBook Pro M1"
    ],
    "sourceIds": [
      "mac-id",
      "mac-spec",
      "mac-diagnostics"
    ]
  },
  "exclusions": [
    "MacBook Air Intel 2020",
    "MacBook Air M2",
    "MacBook Pro M1"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "Keep any existing backup accessible to you.",
    "Keep credentials and personal files outside this record."
  ],
  "stopConditions": [
    "Stop using and charging equipment with swelling, casing separation, smoke, a burning smell or suspected battery damage. Do not open or press on it.",
    "Set damaged accessories aside. Do not open mains adapters or force connectors.",
    "Do not erase, reset, flash firmware or bypass a lock as a default diagnostic step."
  ],
  "branches": [
    {
      "from": "safety",
      "answer": "safe",
      "to": "count"
    },
    {
      "from": "safety",
      "answer": "danger",
      "to": "stop"
    },
    {
      "from": "safety",
      "answer": "unknown",
      "to": "uncertain"
    },
    {
      "from": "count",
      "answer": "one",
      "to": "path"
    },
    {
      "from": "count",
      "answer": "multiple",
      "to": "limit"
    },
    {
      "from": "count",
      "answer": "unknown",
      "to": "uncertain"
    },
    {
      "from": "path",
      "answer": "yes",
      "to": "video"
    },
    {
      "from": "path",
      "answer": "not-ready",
      "to": "attention"
    },
    {
      "from": "path",
      "answer": "unknown",
      "to": "uncertain"
    },
    {
      "from": "video",
      "answer": "working",
      "to": "ready"
    },
    {
      "from": "video",
      "answer": "detected-dark",
      "to": "service"
    },
    {
      "from": "video",
      "answer": "absent",
      "to": "service"
    },
    {
      "from": "video",
      "answer": "unknown",
      "to": "uncertain"
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "mac-display",
      "title": "External display dark or low resolution",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102501",
      "locator": "Connections / Support limits / Detection / Accessory permission",
      "purpose": "Direct video path, Detect Displays and detection versus image",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase and observation worksheets; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    },
    {
      "id": "mac-spec",
      "title": "MacBook Air (M1, 2020) technical specifications",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/111883",
      "locator": "Charging and Expansion / Display Support",
      "purpose": "Two USB-C Thunderbolt/USB4 ports and one native external display up to 6K at 60 Hz",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase and observation worksheets; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    },
    {
      "id": "mac-safety",
      "title": "Important safety information for your Mac",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/important-safety-information-apd9b8f7aa11/mac",
      "locator": "Handling / Built-in battery / Charging",
      "purpose": "General damaged-equipment and moisture safety only; M1-specific connections are sourced from mac-spec",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase and observation worksheets; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    },
    {
      "id": "mac-id",
      "title": "Identify MacBook Air model",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-ie/102869",
      "locator": "Find model / MacBook Air M1 2020",
      "purpose": "Model and chip confirmation",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-04",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    },
    {
      "id": "mac-diagnostics",
      "title": "Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550",
      "locator": "Prepare / Apple silicon / Run Apple Diagnostics / Results",
      "purpose": "M1 Options then Command-D; Tahoe 26+ selected tests versus earlier automatic testing; preserve reference code",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase and observation worksheets; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    }
  ],
  "assets": [
    {
      "id": "laptop-m1-ports",
      "path": "/assets/laptop-m1-ports.svg",
      "title": "M1 Air connection map",
      "alt": "Original schematic showing two left USB-C ports, right headphone jack and a direct one-display comparison.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-spec",
        "mac-display"
      ],
      "caption": "Original schematic, not to scale. MacBook Air M1 (2020); one native external display. Inspect the real connector before use.",
      "kind": "Original schematic"
    }
  ],
  "relatedIds": [
    "mba-m1-wifi-access",
    "mba-m1-keyboard-input",
    "mba-m1-speaker-output"
  ],
  "estimatedDuration": {
    "minutes": 20,
    "label": "Planning estimate for recording observations; excludes charging, backups, drying and service. Not a measured repair time."
  },
  "legacyVersion": "1.0.0",
  "legacyChecks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "goal": "Separate unsafe hardware from routine preparation.",
      "question": "Any swelling, casing separation, liquid damage, smoke, burning smell, or damaged battery/adapter?",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-charge"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "safe",
          "label": "No visible danger",
          "next": "check-1"
        },
        {
          "id": "danger",
          "label": "Yes, or suspected damage",
          "next": "stop"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "I cannot confirm",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-1",
      "goal": "Stay within the model’s stated support.",
      "question": "Is only one native external display connected with a video-capable direct path?",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-display",
        "mac-spec"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2"
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "attention"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "goal": "Record a visible output.",
      "question": "Does the display show video after input and detection checks?",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-display",
        "mac-spec"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "External video appears",
          "next": "ready"
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "External display stays dark",
          "next": "service"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "legacyPreparation": [
    "Built-in display works",
    "One native external display is used for this comparison",
    "Powered external display",
    "Video-capable compatible cable or adapter",
    "A private place to keep your findings",
    "A current backup if the device is accessible"
  ]
}