With Apple’s high-priced Pro Display XDR and its relatively more affordable Studio Display as options for high-performance post-production, it’s hard to imagine the company coming up with a new display that could fit somewhere in the middle.
But according to recent speculation, the company is doing just that with a new monitor that is expected to be announced soon.
The new display, which is believed to be a 27-inch panel, will be based on miniLED technology and promises to offer better contrast and a deeper, richer color which could potentially rival the performance of the ProDisplay XDR, but definitely outperform the current Apple Studio Display, both of which are LED based.
Apple gave miniLED a test run with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro back in 2021, and then expanded the technology to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros a few months later.
MiniLED brought along with it the promise of Apple ProMotion support with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which neither the Pro Display XDR nor Studio Display enjoys.
Additionally, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated that Apple Silicon will be at the heart of new Apple Displays moving forward.
The Studio Display was the first monitor to have the A13 Bionic running inside, and with it came other features like Center State. Gurman also said that a refresh of the ProDisplay XDR is also in the making.
What chip the new display will feature is only a source for speculation, but considering its next-generation pedigree, it’s reasonable to assume that Apple will move up to the A14 Bionic or at least stand pat on the A13 Bionic design.
After all, it’s just a monitor, and it’s likely that better performance for the money may not yield the desired results.
Moreover, the addition of an Apple Silicon chip would give the new display a leg up over the Pro Display XDR, which doesn’t have one in its design, and at least theoretically, the new monitor could conceivably replace it based on better blacks, contrast ratio, and additional features.
Regardless, Spring is just around the corner, and it won’t be long before we find out. Moreover, Gurman says that the new display could likely come after Apple introduces the new MacPro, which he said would feature an M2 Ultra chip design.
“It is possible, however, that the company’s next high-end display will ship after the Mac Pro,” Gurman said, “as the computer is further along in development than the monitor.”
So in the meantime, if you can hold off investing in a new display, it may be a smart idea to stand pat. Otherwise, going for the $1500 Studio Display instead of the $5,000 ProXDR Display, would be the better economic choice, especially since you won’t have to pay extra for a stand.
[source: Mac Rumors, Mark Gurman]
Order Links:
- Apple 32″ Pro Display XDR 16:9 Retina 6K HDR IPS Display, Standard Glass (B&H)
- Apple 27″ Studio Display – Standard Glass, Tilt Adjustable Stand (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
Claim your copy of DAVINCI RESOLVE - SIMPLIFIED COURSE. Get Instant Access!