Was the Studio Display a flop?

[mrmister]

I have seen a lot of folks comment about how there are third party displays that are "nearly as good" or a "better deal for the money" but many of them aren't as bright or don't allow changing the display brightness via the keyboard or can't change the sound output via keyboard or require special cables.

Bingo.

I find that most people are also doing a game where they compare 4K screens to the 5K Studio Display.

I live in two places, and have a Studio Display in one place, and a topline Dell 4K screen from 2019 in the other.

I can *always* tell that the resolution is a lot less on the Dell. It's obvious and clear as hell.

That doesn't mean one can't have a fine computing experience on less resolution—i stuck with a 30" Apple Cinema Display for years after we were all going retina—but they really aren't directly comparable.

If you are willing to use a 4K display, there are many options.

If you want a 5K display, or more...there are not.

That is where the starting place for a discussion should be.

 

[mrmister]

The reason it’s a bad design is because it includes a built-in webcam and built-in speakers. Those should’ve been omitted so the price could be lower.

That's not what design means.

 

[BellSystem]

I own one and it’s great. Not a single issue and I ordered it on day 1. It’s a luxury item and that means you have to pay to play. A few people had some issues, a lot of people are upset with their life choices and feel the need to trash talk it. I’ve seen plenty in the wild and know people with them…not a flop. Is it worth the money? I don’t know…I’d feel better if it was $600-$700. But it looks great, is sturdy, and the picture is perfect to my eyes. I think its biggest selling point for a lot of people is how solid it is. A lot of monitors are made out of trash and wobble when you type…especially the plastic 5k ones.

 

[leifp]

I have two decent 32” 4K LG displays. And one 27” 5K ASD. There’s no contest. The ASD is the only one I use when colour accuracy or long sessions reading on the display are called for. I’d love to have the XDR but even in my wildest dreams I cannot talk myself into that price, because it would not improve my earnings… (maybe when it goes microLED)

edit: to the point of this forum post… you’ll have to ask Apple whether it’s a failure (or wait a year or two and see if Apple stops selling them)

 

[fwmireault]

I wouldn't say it's a flop, just that this product should have been introduced by Apple in 2016 rather than the LG Ultrafine. I think it would have been well worth the price back then, but this LCD 60 hz display technology is a bit old in 2023 for a flagship product, especially with MacBooks getting mini-LED and Promotion. There are also a few unjustifiable design choices, like the non-removable power cable or the 400$ extra height adjustable stand.

So I would say it's a lazy product, but not a flop. Some people waited for a consumer priced Apple display for years, and I'm sure they are happy today

 

[Analog Kid]

I didn’t say anyone was ignorant. Please don’t put words into my mouth.

There’s no need to be so defensive.

I didn't put words in your mouth, I summarized your argument which I thought I'd cropped closely enough but will cut down further here:

not aware of the many other elements

Lacking in information is the definition of ignorance.

Also no defensiveness here because I'm fully aware of why I made my choice, why I'm happy with it, and why I'm not much concerned about others opinions of my decisions.

It's worth looking at your lines of discussion though, because they seem based on your assumption that ASD owners are either not aware of other options or what should and shouldn't be important (ignorance), or they're based on the idea that ASD owners bought the product and aren't merely explaining why but feel a need to retroactively justify that decision (defensiveness).

For example, when asked if it might simply be that other people value certain characteristics more than you do, you ignored the question.

You seem to have decided that the product is not worth what people think it's worth and that your values are the benchmark to be measured against, so if someone praises the display it can only be due to a failing in the display owner. First because they're ignorant of the market, then when they explain they are not, because they feel a need to defend their decisions.

But I think it’s fair to push back against some of the hyperbole in this thread about how good it is compared to other alternatives, because the picture is more complicated than that.

And I think it's fair to push back against your dismissiveness of people's personal experiences with the product.

 

[gco212]

I waited for more affordable Apple display for so long and was disappointed when ASD came out. I don’t own one but I’ve tested one in a store. I love the image quality, build quality, even bezels, sturdy design etc. The problem for me is price. In my country it starts from 1800€. There are some “cool” “extra” features that in my view are useless and drive the cost up. Like it having own processor and stuff like that. I know quality monitors from Dell for example cost 600-800€ so I would probably pay like 1000€ for Apple one. But 1800€ is just too much for me personally to justify it. That’s without the adjustable stand.

Those features aren't driving up the price; Apple is just charging a ridiculous sum for it. Those features aren't that costly on Apple's part, they just want huge margins if they can get it.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Those features aren't driving up the price; Apple is just charging a ridiculous sum for it. Those features aren't that costly on Apple's part, they just want huge margins if they can get it.

If 'features' includes the glass display and aluminum enclosure, then yes those are definitely driving up the price. Everything else out there is just plastic and wobbly.

 

[Analog Kid]

Was it a flop? Is it a good display?

Reading all this, I think the clear answer is that no, it was not a flop. People love it and it looks like more people have bought it than would have been expected at this price point. That's a success.

Obviously there isn't one on every desk, but I don't think that was the goal, nor is that the bar for success.

 

[mushy peas]

Lacking in information is the definition of ignorance.

Sorry, but you've taken that well out of context. Read it again. I'm talking specifically about people arguing that the ASD is an industry leader, not whether someone would purchase it. The two obviously aren't the same thing.

You've built your argument out of taking my words out of context, so I won't bother further.

For example, when asked if it might simply be that other people value certain characteristics more than you do, you ignored the question.

I didn't ignore it, I just didn't bother responding to it because it's obviously true and in accord with what I was writing.

You seem to have decided that the product is not worth what people think it's worth

I don't know how you come to that conclusion when I said I would buy one .

Posters have been clear about why they've bought one. I feel no need to rehash those arguments, they've been well-made. I'm not going to regurgitate what others say or repeat things for the sake of it.

You really have gone out of your way to find the most uncharitable interpretations of what I've written, so I think it best we stop there. I've made my points, and can't think of any further points I'd wish to do about the ASD and it's flaws, in the context of many posters here explaining what they think are it's strengths. I'd only ask that people read posts in the context of the discussion.

 

[jkev57]

I like mine very much. My M2 Mac Studio Pro is hooked up to it. It's great for my work as a newspaper editor. Other monitors I've owned haven't tended to last all that long before going belly up. I wanted something that would last, and I think it will.

 

[Analog Kid]

I don't know how you come to that conclusion when I said I would buy one .

Sorry, I missed that bit... Where did you say that?

 

[WilliApple]

I would rather get an M1 iMac tbh and use it as a monitor and sometimes a computer. The iMac is cheaper and has a full computer built right in.

 

[ikir]

I haven’t seen one positive review of the ASD. Was it a flop? Is it a good display? Is there any real alternative? Is this a great product or a quirky one?

In a Internet forums people just whine. It is a great product all around, and quite unique. I’ve made a positive review in my Italian channel but also found many positive reviews around.

 

[kvic]

Those features aren't driving up the price; Apple is just charging a ridiculous sum for it. Those features aren't that costly on Apple's part, they just want huge margins if they can get it.

Spot on. The BOM (Bill of Material) cost is definitely not the main factor in Apple Marketing's mind in setting the current price of ASD. Even A13* costs little to Apple when compared to ASD's retail price.

As I mentioned on page 1, Apple basically price in expected lifespan of ASD in their owners' hands. Apple expects ASD will last a long time (say 10+yrs). That means the replacement cycle will be long. 10+ yrs are so long that it's really bad for Apple's recurring revenue on ASD. So they raise the price to a point the expected number of sales and the resultant profit will be maximal for Apple. It's simple linear programming used by many manufacturers.

The second major factor in the pricing is obviously due to little competition in 5K displays. So Apple can get away with it. I meant even Samsung is playing a similar game with their Viewfinity S9 (but obviously Samsung will discount handsomely at some point as most ppl may be expecting).

I believe the sales of ASD is way below the sales of Mac within the same period of time. In that sense, it's a flop. Whether Apple considers it a flop or not, it's quite different because obviously Apple does not rely on the revenue of ASD whatsoever. From the % ownership of ASD among Mac users, I would think ASD is also a flop, the price point way beyond their expectation and acceptable level while the features are so little and dated.

For a proper configured ASD, the price is about $2000. Apple Vision Pro will sell for $3500. I would say if people want to justify the purchase of Vision Pro, simply look at ASD. Personally I think it's a steal at 3500 by the gauge of ASD.

(*) Turns out it's not that unexpected for putting an A13 into a monitor. After studying my brand new 4K LG, I found my LG has three microprocessors (two at least 32-bit ARMs, another possibly 32-bit or 16-bit microprocessor), running at least two operating systems (!) I'm kinda surprised how digital we're already in.

 

[oliverruhm]

I haven’t seen one positive review of the ASD. Was it a flop? Is it a good display? Is there any real alternative? Is this a great product or a quirky one?

In our design studio, wie use about 20 pieces of LG 5K displays, you know, the Apple co-designed UltraFine 27MD5KL-B. We need a high Pixel density (5K@27“) more than a quick refresh rate. They are really hefty, durable, pretty and well integrated in the Apple setup. Also, they are half the Price for a ASD. We have been making great experiences over the past Years and I never regretted choosing These displays. We are doing graphic and UI Design over here.

UltraFine 27MD5KL-B​

 

[CyberDavis]

I got the Apple Studio Display along with a Mac Studio to replace my aging and finally slowing down 27" 5k iMac.

I have been very pleased with it, the screen quality is superb and editing photos using it is a nice experience.
The speakers are good and allowed me to ditch the separate speakers I had on my iMac.
And the camera and microphone do a good job and work well.

I will confess I paid the extra for the height adjustable tilt stand, being taller and having shorter family members it was the slickest solution.
The build quality is excellent compared to pretty much every monitor I have used in recent years. It is nice and solid and does not rock, wobble or sway and stays in the position I place it.

People comment on the bezel size, for me it has never been an issue. I can truthfully say that I have never looked at it and thought those bezels are too big.
But if you have an issue with them I guess there are other options on the market.

Was it cheap? No!
But it is well made, nice and solid and I expect it to last many years.
I now also have the benefit that I can use the same display with my MacBook Pro for work or Mac Studio for home stuff and it is all seamless.
Do I regret my decision? No, the quality of build and display work well for me and do what I want.

 

[JustinePaula]

We are still using a mac pro running a 32bit OS and final cut pro 7, in 2023, on a large Apple monitor, from around 2006/2008 that era, old, yeah it still works, and it a bit of problem with some of the more modern gear, but the cost to replace is just non viable at this point...Apple is 100% about max profit from the product, so they could make a bit of profit selling a small number of SKU instead a less of a profit per SKU if they sold items for less per item...

After all that is what a flop is, something that did not reach some sales number threshold, if it fails to reach this minimum of units sold, it is withdrawn, but had they sold it for less $ per unit, would it have sold more units?

I would replace my ipad mini 2, but spending $2000, makes no sense, $800 yes, all day, then over the next few months, keyboard, cover, that sort of thing, but at $2000, makes no sense... No profit from me..

 

[An-apple-a-day]

This is a very outdated opinion. I have a BenQ PD2705U (27" 4K) and a AOC U32P2CA (32" 4K) both have solid metal bases and are adjustable in every direction without having to dish out another boat load of cash. The BenQ sits right next to my iMac 5K and I prefer it when doing photo editing. I looked at getting the ASD but just couldn't justify that price...

I have a BenQ BL2711U (27” 4K) and the base/stand is all plastic and does suffer from some wobble. Also, after ~6 years of intermittent use, there is now a 1 cm flickering band at the bottom of the display panel (using any of the available video input connections, and factory reset ineffective). Cost was USD 526.00 6 years ago. A lower price for lower quality.

 

[mrmister]

The Samsung S9 dropped...and it is substantially the same price as an Apple Studio Display.

Sure, there will be debates about glossy v matte, or about which stand to get with the Apple one, but I'm hoping this helps define that a 5K display is just more expensive than a 4K display, and each should be weighed on their own merits.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

All these comments praising the Studio Display, and hardly any mentions the monitor's glaring flaws, those being:

• A monitor needing software updates, and a software update can break the entire thing, which it has as several firmware updates had to get rolled back. Notable Youtuber DankPods had a Studio Display and one firmware update killed it, and Apple didn't fix it at all.

• I don't think I even need to mention how absurd it is that this thing starts at $1600 when other displays (including 5K ones) don't even come close to that.
• The monitor lacking any turning, requiring the VESA variant to even turn. $1600 well spent.
• Height adjust costing an extra $400
• And finally the most egregious problem of the Studio Display: The power cord being hardwired on a $1600+ monitor in the year 2023.

If you're enjoying your ASD good for you. But this thing ain't worth the cost at all, not even for 5K when there's better alternatives

 

[robbietop]

Like the VisionPro, is not priced to sell and competitors provide the same functionality for far less money.

 

[Pointillism]

A monitor needing software updates, and a software update can break the entire thing, which it has as several firmware updates had to get rolled back. Notable Youtuber DankPods had a Studio Display and one firmware update killed it, and Apple didn't fix it at all.

Needing firmware updates isn't something that's exclusive to Apple displays though - plenty of other manufacturers release updated firmware for their monitors but, in a lot of cases, you've got to hook the monitor up to a Windows PC in order to run the update utility. With that said though, having a firmware update break the device is, of course, pretty bad so shame on Apple for that.

 

[NewUsername]

I haven’t seen one positive review of the ASD. Was it a flop? Is it a good display? Is there any real alternative? Is this a great product or a quirky one?

It’s a fine display. It’s just unfortunate Apple doesn’t offer an affordable display. The 2011 Thunderbolt Display was $999, the 2020 iMac was $1799. So a starting price of $1599 is steep, and the height-adjustable stand is another $400.

Personally, I would love to see an $799 display similar to the 24" iMac. But at a starting price $1599, I’ll just get a plastic LG display which also gets the job done. If you really need 5K and high brightness, it’s a different story of course, but for me it works fine.

 

[sailingHobbit]

If you look at only the display part of it, it sure does not have a good value for money.
I have not tested the new Samsung but as soon as you want the complete package of:

• 27" 5K or 4K display with great colors
• Thunderbolt/USB-C with at least 90 watt host charging
• integrated webcam (even the rather bad one in the ASD)
• good integrated microphones (to avoid wearing a headset during long Teams calls)
• integrated speaker system that's not complete rubbish

You do not really have alternatives to the Studio Display. Maybe the new Samsung model but back when I bought the Studio Display there was nothing around that has all of these features.
If you're fine with additional cables, do not need webcam/microphones or can live with the poor speakers usually integrated in displays, then you can surely get a cheaper display which also has a great picture.