What to Expect From Apple's Next Studio Display and Pro Display XDR

[DarthDon]

For my selfish sake I'd love the prospect of an Apple display under £1000!

In my opinion, apple could bring a 32" 8K @120Hz. It would be important to have something like IOS running on it. Touchscreen or compatible with touchpad and keyboard. So you could use it via Tunderbolt / HDMI as a monitor, or as a stand-alone. But it would easily cost 3000$+...

 

[entropys]

Wish I could get excited about Apple displays. Unfortunately, since the “budget” (and over engineered) model starts at 1500, and I work with three displays, they’re a non-starter no matter how good they are.

Dell makes such good displays at reasonable prices, that don’t even look bad, that I just can’t even consider Apple displays sadly. Apple are gradually pricing themselves out of my range.

Apple has forgotten that not all its friends are Larry Ellison.

 

[George Bailey]

I'll just take a M3 Pro/Max 32" iMac please. They can improve the speakers since it be a larger display.

I won't even consider another iMac until it can be used as an external display as well. I've gone through too many cycles where I had to give up a great display just to get a better computer. Not again.

 

[Matcha]

I enjoyed my studio display for it's glossy display and colors but the 60hz definitely a downer for me.

 

[slyronit]

Wow, I never verified but always expected that the Pro XDR would be 120Hz at that price. Apparently not.

 

[cheesygrin]

You have 3, 5K displays? Dell 8k displays are $4,000+. They built a $50K competitor 6K Pro Display for $5K. For the average home users replacing their iMacs, the Max/Ultra Studio. So those that really can’t spend that can use any monitor.

It’s much like their laptop. Yes it’s $2K but compare the speakers, trackpad, solid frame with most competitors. Even my $4K Alienware only competes with its display and graphics and Cherry MX keys.

Nope, I currently use 3x standard resolution Dell UltraSharp displays, because I can’t afford 5k. But I am considering upgrading to Dell 4k displays eventually, which are available for a few hundred each, and can be powered by M2 Pro Mac mini. There is no Apple equivalent.

 

[Just Jeff]

Is the XDR display really 30 days out if you order today? Is there a pending update?

 

[lewchenko]

Really happy with my Studio display. I refused to pay full price though for it, and picked up a refurb which was literally mint..
It complements my MBP well. I would love another! For programming / development work , the difference to my former 1440p monitor is night and day on text clarity. Could never go back.

I would like to see a cheaper version of the studio though. 60hz is fine for such a model (hasn't been an issue for me on any work monitor), and we are unlikely to see a 120hz variant until TB5 is rolled out to machines (current models of MBP's can't do 5K @ 120hz I believe on TB4).

How about providing a stand that moves up and down and VESA mounts like EVERY SINGLE OTHER company that makes monitors without charging extra ? That's my one annoyance...

 

[guzhogi]

The wide range of possible viewing positions would greatly add to the attractiveness of this concept

Something else I'd like to see, but know will never happen, is have all Macs (or at least "Pro"-level Macs) have a builtin M.2/U.2 connector *in addition to* the builtin SSD. This way, people could have additional *internal* storage for their photos, music, videos, etc. Unfortunately, I know this would lead people to just get smaller builtin SSDs and just get off the shelf M.2 drives or whatever, avoiding the Apple Tax®. SO obviously won't ever happen. Fortunately, we can get external drives, but that's still clutter, and I find that online storage isn't as fast as directly attached drives or NAS on the local network.

 

[Realityck]

I won't even consider another iMac until it can be used as an external display as well. I've gone through too many cycles where I had to give up a great display just to get a better computer. Not again.

Well thats always possible.

 

[guzhogi]

we are unlikely to see a 120hz variant until TB5 is rolled out to machines (current models of MBP's can't do 5K @ 120hz I believe on TB4).

I'd love to see a new version of TB based on PCIe 6 and DisplayPort 2.1 (or whatever the latest versions are at release) just so we could use these high resolution & frame rate displays, as well as all these newer SSDs that have 7+ GB/s transfer speeds, and have some bandwidth left over for other stuff. Unfortunately, Thunderbolt standards aren't up to just Apple.

 

[HVDynamo]

No, it's not enough. Thunderbolt 4 has the same bandwidth as Thunderbolt 3. It's not enough to double the refresh rate of a 5k+ display unfortunately. Will have to wait for M4 gen.

ahh, I think I was getting my wires crossed the PCI-E Generations where bandwidth doubles each gen. That makes sense then why we do need Thunderbolt 5 for higher refresh.

 

[lotones]

Mac Mini + refurb Studio Display > 27" iMac, at basically the same price.

 

[BrightDarkSky]

Apple currently offers two external displays, including the Studio Display and the Pro Display XDR. It also sells the 24-inch iMac for customers who prefer an all-in-one desktop computer, but the larger 27-inch iMac was discontinued in March 2022.

Below, we recap rumors about next-generation Studio Display and Pro Display XDR models, as well as a potential 32-inch iMac.

Studio Display

Apple released the Studio Display in March 2022 alongside the first Mac Studio. The monitor features a 27-inch LCD screen with 5K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, P3 wide color, up to 600 nits brightness, a built-in camera and speakers, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports. In the U.S., the Studio Display starts at $1,599.

There haven't been any specific rumors about a new Studio Display. However, in December 2022, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple was working on multiple new external monitors. He said at least one of these monitors could function as a smart home hub in a low-power state, but it's unclear which model he was referring to. In July 2023, Gurman said Apple's next-generation monitors would launch in 2024 at the very earliest.

There have been on-again, off-again rumors about Apple planning a new 27-inch external display with mini-LED backlighting and ProMotion support, which could allow for up to a 120Hz refresh rate, but the status of this project is not entirely clear. In April 2023, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the display was slated for mass production in 2024 or early 2025. It's unclear if this monitor would be the next Studio Display.

Pro Display XDR

Released in December 2019 alongside an updated Mac Pro, the high-end Pro Display XDR features a 32-inch screen with LED backlighting, a 6K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, P3 wide color, up to 1,600 nits of brightness, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports. In the U.S., the monitor starts at $4,999, but the optional Pro Stand costs $999 extra.

Gurman said one of the new external monitors that Apple was working on was an updated version of the Pro Display XDR with an Apple silicon chip, something the current model lacks. In the Studio Display, an A13 Bionic chip powers features such as Center Stage camera framing, spatial audio, and Siri voice commands.

While no other features have been rumored yet, some additions that customers are hoping for include a webcam, speakers, and a higher refresh rate.

32-Inch iMac

In October 2023, both Gurman and Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple was developing a 32-inch iMac for release in late 2024 or in 2025. Kuo said the larger iMac's screen would feature mini-LED backlighting.

In November 2023, Apple announced that it has no plans to release a 27-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip. For customers who want a large-screened desktop setup, Apple recommended pairing the Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac mini. Apple did not explicitly rule out the possibility of a 32-inch iMac being released in the future.

Apple updated the 24-inch iMac with its latest M3 chip last year.

Article Link: What to Expect From Apple's Next Studio Display and Pro Display XDR

Screw apple 🍎. Whatever monitor will be crazy overpriced. Any company that makes a monitor that has high enough dpi for mac os weirdo scaling will have a lot of customers. And there is a huge lack of Adobe rgb focused monitors, everyone is following apple for rec 709 video use.. and it sucks. Benq adobe rgb photo SW 4k Series 27"... 1500.wtf.

32in i feel is still too big, but i have a new 32 lg ultrafine with ergo arm. Just needed a screen. Screen quality is matte but it's good, colors are pretty good out of the box, no calibration yet. Hdr mode looks horrendous but that's a os thing, or settings.

400-480$.

 

[JDHiro]

I'm hoping the next Pro Display support ProMotion, even if that means forgoing some of the HDR specs.

 

[CoreForce]

Mac Mini + refurb Studio Display > 27" iMac, at basically the same price.

It lacks some ports though, so you end up with a mayhem of dongles. SD card reader for the most obvious.

 

[iSandrotto]

What's the chance of Apple releasing an OLED display anytime soon given the fact that LG has announced a range of OLED displays at CES?

 

[picpicmac]

So... the XDR is a 4K monitor?

3384/720 = 4.7 . So yes, like other manufacturers, Apple just declared their new monitor "6K", and they could get away with it because there is no standard body to tell them otherwise. Also because there were not competitors to define their own terms. Dell copied Apple with their "6K" monitor.

This is one reason why standards bodies exist. And in this case, as "6K" is not a broadcast thing, the ATSC did not define it.

However, the aspect ratio is part of the ATSC standard.

Anyway, this is why I don't like terms like "6K", and especially dislike terms like "5K2K". They are very misleading.

Just describe a display by lines and aspect ratio. In this case the XDR is a 3384p60 16:9 display.

 

[picpicmac]

2K refers to ...

It's all just marketing games.

As I noted previously, companies just use terms to market, with little control because there is no more control over what a company wants to call a monitor any more than a shoe manufacturer wants to call some latest fashion trend.

In the broadcast world there are standards, both national and international.

So Apple can define "Retina" to mean 218ppi for a desktop monitor, and call a 3384 line display "6K". And there is no one to really object.

It's just all confusing, intentionally, as marketers figured out long ago that branding is what counts, and brands are magic words.

There are standards for electricity for home and devices, so computer makers follow those.

There are standards for chemical composition, so computer makers follow those (or else we'd have a lot more toxic chemicals in our devices.)

There are standards for radio frequency use, so WiFi and Bluetooth have to conform to those.

But there is no standard for whatever term by which you want to sell a flashing colorful surface to the masses.

 

[picpicmac]

I never verified but always expected

Let me introduce you to bandwidth on digital interfaces...

 

[JimmyG]

As someone shooting at ~6K for HDR (vs. SDR) with my Panasonic S1's and GH6, having the ability to work with my footage full-resolution and provide me, at minimum, a ≥HDR1000-spec and ≥DCI-P3-spec display environment the choice has been singular with PD XDR. For the masses looking for an AIO HDR solution Apple's current high-end, er, "choice" requiring a stand-alone Mac Studio or Mac Pro has been a non-starter since inception.

Likewise, going the XDR MBP route to work with this HDR material finds one stuck having to "get on" in an unworkably-cramped 16.2"-diagonal environment...good for having to get some work done in-a-pinch but wholely insufficient for full-resolution, days-long work, well, for my needs.

It has been my suspicion that both the PD XDR display technology, and later, MBP XDR display technological improvements pointed to Cupertino advancing their display prowess in the form of future XDR displays in various sizes to suit the needs of not just paid professionals but the everyday folks who have been running around shooting HDR content on their iPhones, mirrorless cameras, etc.. The missing product in their lineup, XDR iMacs.

By my reckoning, the current 24" model updated with an XDR display would provide a gateway solution for 4K HDR creators. A 28"/5K XDR gives them some elbow room. Moving up in resolution a 32"/6K XDR iMac would be a good "gateway drug" for my current needs. And a 42"/8K XDR iMac, at the ready for when I jump over to shooting 8K or use it for the elbow room with my 6K workflow.

FWIW, and maybe speaking for others of like sentiment, I despise my MBP, I'm a desktop user and laptops have been necessary-kludges since my Pismo days. I also despise a cluttered desktop with cables and dongles and other dust-attracting accessories spread all about...all of it anathema to my creative sensibilities. For me, it's AIO or do without.

I've been on top-specced iMacs since their inception and Apple's latest shenanigans trying to sell "desktop clutter" as an alternative to the AIO user base is both insulting to the very folks who helped rescue their company from the abyss and insulting to those very same users that they will no longer be afforded the tools with which they prefer to work. Really, Tim?!

I've maintained on these forums that their Studio models would have never survived their launch competing against similarly-specced Mx iMacs, I maintain that position. It has been my view, and continues to be my view, that Apple knows it has a dud on its hands with the Studio and Minis when it comes to their AIO user base. Me buying your stand-alone Studio "crap"? It ain't happening, Tim, not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

A cautionary tale for the folks at Cupertino...since abandoning film for digital some 15+ years ago I've switched camera systems based on which products provided best for my needs. Canon 30D to 5D Mark II and 7D ditched for Sony a7SII and a7R ditched for Panasonic S1 and GH6...and if Panasonic does not provide for 8K internal RAW on their S1 Mark II I'll be off to Nikon and their Z8. As consumers, our loyalty ends when your loyalty ends.

So, another calendar year has gone by and that gaping "XDR iMac" hole in the Macintosh lineup persists. In five years time it will be "fait accompli" that HDR AIOs of all shapes and sizes will abound in the marketplace, the question is, "will any come from Apple?"

 

[CWallace]

What's the chance of Apple releasing an OLED display anytime soon given the fact that LG has announced a range of OLED displays at CES?

My guess is "unlikely" since there are still concerns about UI element burn-in over time and I do not expect Apple to want to deal with those warranty claims. As such, I expect Apple to stick with MiniLED with very high backlight zone counts like on the iPad Pro 12.9 and MacBook Pro line.

Yes, I know the iPad line is set to move to mostly OLED over the next 12-24 months, but they are said to be using dual-stack OLEDs which increases panel life and reduces the potential for static UI burn-in (as well as lowering power consumption, which is important for a portable). However, dual-stack OLED is currently only for smaller displays, well below the 27-32" size an Apple computer monitor would be.

 

[CWallace]

One of the longest complaints about the iMac was you had to replace the entire machine every few years to upgrade your CPU and/or GPU, effectively tossing a perfectly good 5K display. This is why I believe Apple decided to move the iMac "middle of the market" with the Apple Silicon model (at 24", it straddled the 21.5" to 27" sizes) and instead launch a standalone desktop (the Mac Studio) and display (the Apple Studio Display) so people could keep their display across Mac generations (be it portable or desktop).

And let us be honest - the biggest complaint about the Mac Studio Display is the price. If it was $1299 with a VESA mount or a tilt-and-height adjustable stand, people would just be snapping them up with a MacBook Pro or Mac Mini / Mac Studio and the demand for a 27" Apple Silicon iMac 5K or 32" Apple Silicon iMac Pro would be far, far more muted.

 

[lotones]

It lacks some ports though, so you end up with a mayhem of dongles. SD card reader for the most obvious.

Don't forget you're getting three 10 Gb/s USB-C ports on the Studio Display. So with the exception of the SD card reader, you're ending up with more, faster ports than you had on the most recent 27" iMac, especially if you step up to the M2 Pro chip.

 

[Realityck]

And let us be honest - the biggest complaint about the Mac Studio Display is the price. If it was $1299 with a VESA mount or a tilt-and-height adjustable stand, people would just be snapping them up with a MacBook Pro or Mac Mini / Mac Studio and the demand for a 27" Apple Silicon iMac 5K or 32" Apple Silicon iMac Pro would be far, far more muted.

Yes Apple needs to reduce the price of the existing Studio Display as they did with dropping the Apple TV 4K prices not so long ago.